Morris town council has turned down a proposal to build a 10-unit apartment building on Agassiz Trail. At a June 25, 2026 public hearing, councillors voted to deny the application from Kevin Funk, who wanted to develop the multi-family building at 70 Agassiz Trail.
Council gave five reasons for the decision, as recorded in the meeting minutes. Councillors said the size and density of the project were not right for the property. They also worried there would not be enough parking, which could push cars onto nearby streets. Council felt the building would not match the existing neighbourhood, and they did not want to set a pattern for high-density projects before broader planning is done.
The property sits in an area where apartment buildings need council approval. Under the town’s zoning rules, any building with four or more units is a conditional use in that zone. That means developers must go through a public hearing and get a green light from council. The zoning bylaw also requires a minimum of 0.8 parking spaces per unit for buildings with four or more units.
Kevin Funk attended the hearing along with several neighbours, including Bill Ginter, Joyce Ginter, and Peter Funk. Mayor Scott Crick chaired the meeting, with all six councillors present: Mel Baxter, Chris Hamblin, Taylor Braun, David Funk, Tim Lewis, and Trevor Thiessen. The Town’s economic development site often promotes Morris as open to new housing, with tax breaks and flexible zoning to attract builders. Agassiz Trail itself is marketed as a newer street with many existing duplexes.
The decision comes amid reports that Manitoba faces a growing gap between new housing and population growth. Council’s move signals that while the town wants growth, it will weigh each proposal against concerns about parking, neighbourhood fit, and planning.
