50 Cortez Bay – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Suitability

This is a 1,360 sqft home built in 1969, sitting on a 5,578 sqft lot in Winnipeg’s Westwood neighbourhood. What stands out immediately is the construction year: on Cortez Bay, it’s the oldest home on the street by a clear margin (ranked #1 out of 35), and within the broader Westwood area it sits in the top 8% for age. That’s unusual in a neighbourhood where most homes are from the mid-60s—it suggests either a custom build or a very early phase of development on that block.

The living area is close to average for the street, neighbourhood, and city—nothing remarkable, but solidly typical. The lot is slightly smaller than both the street average (5,945 sqft) and the neighbourhood average (6,491 sqft), which is worth noting if outdoor space or future expansion is a priority. The assessed value of $351k is below average on the street and in the neighbourhood, but close to the middle citywide. In other words, the price feels grounded for what you get, and the age is the real differentiator here.

The appeal lies in a few less obvious angles. First, being the oldest home on a street often means it was built on a better-positioned lot or with older framing standards—things that don’t show up in square footage but can matter for renovation potential. Second, the below-average assessment means there’s room for value growth if the market or neighbourhood improves. Third, the street itself is small (only 35 comparables), so the data is more granular than citywide averages—this gives a realistic picture of what you’re actually getting relative to immediate neighbours.

This property would suit a buyer who values character and potential over turnkey perfection. It’s a good fit for someone willing to invest in updates—especially if they appreciate that the bones are older and possibly more solid than newer builds in the same price range. It’s less suited to someone who wants a modern, low-maintenance home or a large lot for gardening or additions.

Five Possible FAQs

1. Is the older construction year a concern regarding maintenance or permits?
It depends on what’s been updated. Being built in 1969 means systems like the furnace, roof, windows, and wiring could be original or near-original. On the plus side, older homes in Westwood often have better lumber quality and deeper foundations than later builds. You’ll want a thorough inspection focusing on the electrical panel, plumbing, and insulation. No known permit issues are flagged in the data, but the age alone means you should budget for possible upgrades.

2. Why is the assessed value lower than the street average if the house is well-located?
The assessment data compares it to homes on the same street and in the neighbourhood that are more recent or have had significant updates. The lower value likely reflects that this home hasn’t been renovated to match the newer stock around it. That gap can actually work in your favour—if you do put work into it, the value could rise faster than a home already at the top of its local range.

3. How does the lot size affect daily use or resale potential?
At 5,578 sqft, the lot is smaller than typical for Westwood. That means less yard work, but also less privacy from neighbours and limited room for additions like a garage or large deck. For resale, smaller lots can be a downside for families, but they’re often attractive to buyers who want a manageable property or are looking for a first home in a well-established area.

4. What’s the neighbourhood like in terms of schools, transit, and amenities?
The data doesn’t include specifics about schools or transit routes, but Westwood is a stable, older suburban area in Winnipeg with a mix of single-family homes. It typically has good access to major roads, bus routes, and local shopping. If you’re looking for walkability, you’ll want to check the specific block—Cortez Bay is a quieter side street, so car access is likely more practical than walking to daily errands.

5. Should I be concerned that this home ranks low for lot size and value in its area?
Not necessarily. Rankings like “#24 out of 35” or “#1,749 out of 2,523” sound dramatic, but they’re relative—often the actual difference in lot size or value is modest. The property is within a few hundred square feet of the street average for lot size, and the value gap is about $26k below the street average. What matters more is whether the home’s condition and location meet your needs. The low rank could also be a negotiating point.