The Manitoba government is planning to introduce legislation to give municipalities the freedom to choose whether they want to take part in the capital planning region.
“This is about giving municipalities the freedom to make their own planning decisions, rather than force them into a planning region that isn’t working,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We’ve heard what municipalities have to say and that’s why we’re moving forward with legislation to make membership in Plan 20-50 voluntary. We’re working with communities like Selkirk, Niverville and Stonewall to grow the economy, and build more housing in a way that makes sense for them.”
Plan 20-50, a long-term planning strategy for the City of Winnipeg and 18 nearby municipalities, came out of the previous government’s Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act (Bill 37), noted the premier.
“Instead of working with municipalities, the previous government forced through Bill 37,” said Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie. “Our government is committed to listening to local leadership and respecting local governments to make their own decisions for their communities. We know the best way to build up communities across the province is to partner with them to help build up infrastructure, create more good jobs and invest in services like health care. Manitoba families want to see us work together to deliver for them and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Details on what these legislative changes will look like will be shared once legislation has been introduced before the house, noted the minister.
