The city is seeking a consultant to help implement major, controversial zoning changes that council recently approved to secure federal housing cash.
The city is offering $250,000 for a contractor to develop a draft zoning bylaw that imposes the new rules, according to a new request for proposals.
“City staff are taking a lead role in developing these amendments, including the work needed to research, draft, and consult on proposed zoning changes… implementing those into a regulatory framework requires certain expertise and due diligence that we don’t have the internal resources for…. Hiring outside expertise for major zoning bylaw changes is a normal process for all cities,” said spokesman Kalen Qually, in an emailed statement.
The key changes triggered heated debate late last year, over concerns they would reduce public input on individual housing projects and put green space at risk.
Specifically, the new rules will permit construction of up to four housing units on a single lot, buildings of up to four storeys anywhere within 800 metres of transit corridors and mid-rise housing targeted for mall-area sites and commercial corridors, eliminating the need for public hearings and city committee approvals to complete such projects.
Mayor Scott Gillingham has championed the changes as a way to speed up the construction of much-needed housing.
In December, the federal government committed $122 million from its Housing Accelerator Fund for Winnipeg, with a goal to fast-track the construction of 3,166 net new housing units over the following three years.
When it approved the changes, city council promised to include “reasonable standards for construction,” such as setting minimum lot sizes for properties to support up to four housing units, along with other building standards and height limits.
The report notes a separate contract will be offered to conduct public consultations on the changes.
However, Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) said he remains concerned about public input because the changes will still remove a need to consult residents on specific future projects.
“If we’re going to put 1,000 (housing) units in the St. Vital Centre parking lot (for example), there will be side-effects for the area.… You have to have some ability for the public (to weigh in),” he said.
The city expects to award the bylaw contract by the end of April, while specific bylaw changes are expected in spring 2025.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Joyanne loves to tell the stories of this city, especially when politics is involved. Joyanne became the city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press in early 2020.