THE City of Winnipeg is one step closer to approving a new round of zoning bylaw changes that aim to speed up construction of high-density housing.
Council’s property and development committee approved the changes on Thursday, which aim to make it easier to build duplexes and triplexes in mature neighbourhoods. They would also allow the creation of detached secondary or “granny” suites in all established neighbourhoods “as of right,” removing the requirement to get an application approved by a city committee or complete a public hearing process first.
Other amendments would allow restaurants and bars to open patios more easily.
The changes are part of the city’s work to use $122 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to speed up home construction. The city will apply some standards to the construction, including lot size and landscaping requirements.
Parking minimums would be scrapped on parts of Portage Avenue and Pembina Highway, while they would be reduced for affordable housing projects and multi-family homes in urban infill areas.
The changes still require final council approval.
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.