The provincial government has introduced legislative amendments to two acts that would make it more difficult for concerned citizens to trigger an appeal of zoning changes before the Manitoba Municipal Board.
Bill 40 would increase the required number of eligible objectors from 25 to 300 in Winnipeg and other municipalities and planning districts with a population of more than 6,000. In smaller municipalities and planning districts, the number would increase to 100 or five per cent of the population, whichever is greater.
The province said in a news release that the current requirement makes it difficult for municipalities to change zoning bylaws and slows construction of new housing.
“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,” Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie said in the release.
“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 amendments are the first potential changes arising from the NDP government’s commitment to review Bill 37, the Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act. Municipal and Northern Relations is undergoing a statutory review of planning legislation, and the province expects Phase 2 consultations to be completed by the end of this month.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities 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,” AMM interim president Kathy Valentino said in the release.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca