Selkirk happily opts out of Plan20-50

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Officials in a southern Manitoba community are applauding the provincial government for allowing them to opt out of Plan20-50, and make their own decisions when it comes to city planning.

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“The government has shown a great deal of respect for the unique needs of each community, including Selkirk, which has long advocated for the ability to make decisions that reflect the interests and priorities of our residents,” city of Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson said in a media release this week.

On Monday, the NDP government introduced Bill 42 to give municipalities the choice to join Plan20-50, a planning document that sets collaborative goals for growth and development in the 18 municipalities that make up the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR).

Under previous legislation introduced by the previous PC government, all 18 communities were mandated to join Plan 20-50. Earlier this year, some communities, including Selkirk as well as the town of Niverville, began voicing opposition to their forced involvement. This led the province to introduce legislation that gives communities the ability to opt out.

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Johannson says that the legislation represents “success in its efforts to retain autonomy over its planning and development of the community.”

“Selkirk has a long history of making more environmentally responsible decisions. We are nationally recognized for our work. We believe this will allow us to continue making responsible decisions regarding land-use and infrastructure without interference, unnecessary red tape and costs to our citizens,” Johannson said.

“The City of Selkirk acknowledges the potential benefits of a coalition of the willing, whereby the Capital Planning Region will consist of communities that choose to work together voluntarily.”

The city said that if they were forced to join the plan, it would have created “unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, diluting local decision-making and imposing one-size-fits-all policies that may not align with individual community needs.”

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Selkirk officials are also lauding the process by which communities can now opt out of Plan 20-50.

“The bill introduces a straightforward process for municipalities to pass a resolution to leave or join ensuring a smooth transition,” the city said.

Bill 42 is expected to be tabled when the next Legislative Session begins at the Manitoba Legislature later this month.

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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