Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation to Help Build New Housing Faster

October 25, 2024

The Manitoba government has introduced amendments to the Planning Act and the City of Winnipeg Charter Act that would change the appeals process for zoning changes by removing a requirement that made it difficult for municipalities to change local zoning bylaws and allowing faster new housing construction, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie announced today. 

“This amendment is an important tool for municipalities to create new housing in a way that would reduce challenges currently associated with the public appeals process,” said Bushie. “Municipalities in all regions of the province would be able to act swiftly and effectively to address local housing shortages and incentivize the development of new housing.” 

The proposed legislative amendments would require 300 eligible persons to object in order to trigger a public appeal to the Manitoba Municipal Board, up from 25 eligible persons, in Winnipeg, Brandon and other municipalities and planning districts with a population over 6,000 per census population. 

In municipalities and planning districts with a population under 6,000, the proposed amendments would increase the number of local objectors required to trigger a referral to the greater of 100 eligible persons or five per cent of the census population. These legislative changes are expected to result in faster, clearer decisions and reduce the cost and length of potential delays.  

“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) appreciates this initial step in raising the objector threshold, which will not only reduce unnecessary costs and delays but also help restore greater municipal autonomy,” said Kathy Valentino, interim president, AMM. “These legislative amendments also mark a positive move toward balancing local voices with the need for efficient development, and we look forward to continued collaboration in shaping policies that reflect the unique interests of all local councils.”  

Bushie said this amendment is the first of other potential changes arising from the government’s commitment to review Bill 37, the Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act, speed up approval timelines and make sure local voices are respected. To that end, Municipal and Northern Relations is undergoing a statutory review of planning legislation. The province expects phase two consultations to be complete by the end of October, noted the minister. 

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