NDP Commits to Overhaul Planning Appeal Process in Manitoba

Municipalities in Westman are welcoming the decision by the NDP government to implement recommendations from an independent review aimed at reforming the provincial planning appeal process. The review, conducted by Braid Solutions Inc., found that the existing system was excessively slow, hindering local decision-making in land use and development.

In late March 2024, the provincial government announced its intention to accept all recommendations from the review of the Planning Amendment Act, previously enacted by the Progressive Conservative government. Local leaders have long criticized the current system, claiming it centralizes too much authority with the Municipal Board and diminishes the power of elected officials in the communities they represent.

During an interview, Glen Simard, the Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations and MLA for Brandon East, expressed that the old system had “handcuffed” municipalities. He emphasized the need for a more efficient process that allows local governments to advance their planning initiatives without unnecessary delays. “Overall, people are saying the processes need to be sped up, but we have to make sure that it’s done in a responsible way,” Simard stated.

The Braid Solutions report, completed in late 2023, involved over 250 participants from more than 95 municipalities, as well as development stakeholders and members of the public. The report concluded that while many objectives of the legislation were sound, its implementation fell short. Stakeholders raised concerns about the complexity of the legislation and the lack of adequate support, which has sometimes worsened existing issues rather than alleviating them.

Carberry Mayor Ray Muirhead highlighted a significant drawback of the current system, particularly regarding subdivision applications. He noted that even when applicants meet all compliance requirements, they often face unnecessary obstacles that delay approvals. “You have to go through a lot of hoops and hurdles, and then the next thing you know, you’re reaching the expiration date, and you have to reapply possibly, which costs more money,” Muirhead explained.

Local officials have observed that the current process can be frustratingly slow, with the Municipal Board sometimes making decisions based on comparisons that do not accurately reflect the unique circumstances of individual municipalities. “We just want more control because we feel as towns and municipalities ourselves, we know what’s in the best interest,” Muirhead added.

Rural Municipality of Sifton Ward 2 Councillor Scott Phillips echoed these sentiments, arguing that decisions affecting local communities should not be made by distant public servants in Winnipeg. “Each municipality has similar issues, but we’re also different and unique. So, we need to have a say in what’s going on. We can’t be dictated,” Phillips stated, noting that empowering municipalities is a positive step for the province as a whole.

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has expressed its support for the review and commended the government for recognizing the flaws in the existing process. AMM Executive Director Denys Volkov pointed out that municipalities often expend significant resources on appeals, averaging between $60,000 and $160,000 outside of Winnipeg. “This money can be better spent in communities on events, infrastructure, instead of one lawyer. So this process is costing municipalities more money, and it’s actually delaying development,” Volkov explained.

Volkov also noted the pressing need for affordable housing in Manitoba, stating that the current appeal process impedes the construction of new homes. He expressed optimism that if the province adheres to the findings of the review, it could lead to swifter development.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett acknowledged that while the changes primarily benefit smaller municipalities, the decision represents a positive shift for the region. The report also included recommendations for the Capital Planning Region, which encompasses municipalities surrounding Winnipeg, emphasizing the need to balance authority between regional planning boards and municipal councils.

As the provincial government prepares to release an action plan later this year to implement these recommendations, stakeholders remain hopeful that these changes will lead to a more efficient and localized planning process that meets the diverse needs of Manitoba’s communities.