Homes could start cropping up in Winnipeg's massive new Waverley West subdivision as early as next year now that a city committee has approved development of the area's first neighbourhood.

The city's standing committee on property and development approved a 300-acre (121-hectare) section of land on Tuesday which, when fully developed, could be home to about 3,000 people, mostly in single-family houses.

The committee's approval must be ratified by city council, which is expected to happen soon. Chairman Coun. Justin Swandel said Tuesday that the first lots could be available as next year.

"I can't speak to specific costs, but I can tell you that when you look at the subdivision you can see 30-foot [9.1-metre] lots or 35-foot [10.6-metre] lots, which are much more affordable lots for folks," said committee chair and St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel, who represents the area that includes Waverley West.

"Ultimately, the homebuilders will be the ones that sell the people their house. So I'm sure there will be $300,000 homes, and I am sure there will be ones that are under $200,000."

The site developer told CBC News that people could start moving into houses in 2008.

Neighbourhood would include school, park

In approving development of this first neighbourhood, the committee attached a condition based on ongoing concerns over an expected increase in traffic load in the area.

Either Kenaston Boulevard or Bison Drive must be extended to handle the extra traffic before the first phase is complete, the committee stipulated. Making such a change is expected to happen within the next few years.

Development of the neighbourhood also includes provision for a school to be built in the future. As well, about 20 per cent of the land will be available for open or green space.

Overall, the Waverley West subdivision covers 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of provincial Crown land in southwest Winnipeg. Once fully developed, which could be in the next 25 to 30 years, it could be home to around 13,000 houses.