The Manitoba government is announcing further changes to the Planning Act that would give municipalities the option not to join Plan 20-50 for the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.
“This is about giving municipalities the freedom to decide how best to work together on common priorities, rather than force them into a planning region that isn’t working,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie. “Now that we’ve heard what municipalities have to say, we can move forward with legislation so communities can grow and develop in ways that work for them.”
Plan 20-50, a long-term planning strategy for the City of Winnipeg and 17 adjacent municipalities, was mandated by the previous government’s Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act (Bill 37), noted the minister.
These changes would make it possible for municipalities to have the freedom to choose to be part of the Capital Planning Region. The Manitoba government is continuing to review Bill 37, including looking at ways to speed up approval timelines and changes that would ensure local voices are respected, noted Bushie.
“Our government is taking a serious look at planning legislation to ensure that Manitobans have a say in the decisions that affect them,” said Bushie. “Manitobans deserve development decisions that are fair, transparent and consistent and we seek to accomplish just that. We look forward to hearing more from the public, municipalities, developers/industry and planning districts as we work to improve this legislation for everyone.”
Amendments made to the Planning Act and the City of Winnipeg Charter (formerly Bill 37 and Bill 34) between 2021 and 2023 are subject to statutory review, and feedback from the recently concluded public consultations and engagements will continue to be considered prior to a report being tabled in the legislature next fall, noted the minister.
