Government to accept all recommendations from review of planning report

An independent review of the government’s Bill 37 found it was creating confusion and slowing down development.

The Manitoba government says it has accepted all recommendations from an independent review into a piece of legislation they say would’ve prevented municipalities from having a say in planning decisions.

The review was launched in November 2024 after the NDP introduced an amendment to Bill 37 that would allow municipalities to opt out of Plan 20-50. The plan was created to help with growth and development for the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, which included the city and 17 nearby communities.

Multiple communities, including Selkirk and Niverville, criticized the plan, saying it would lead to a loss of autonomous decision-making.

The report gives 19 recommendations, including reinforcing regional cooperation and improving accountability.

In a statement released Wednesday, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard said Bill 37 was created by the previous government to “squash local community voices.”

“We don’t think local communities should be dictated to by the provincial government,” he said. “We believe municipalities should have the freedom to choose their own plan based on what’s best for their citizens.”

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) approved of the government’s decision.

“We look forward to the Manitoba government’s implementation plan and working together to strengthen Manitoba’s planning framework,” AMM President Kathy Valentino said in a statement.

“It’s essential that any changes continue to respect local autonomy, as municipal councils are best positioned to make decisions that reflect their communities’ priorities.”

Trevor King, the Progressive Conservative critic for municipal and northern relations, said he looks forward to seeing an action plan from Simard on how to implement the recommendations.

“The report says the framework is in place and the concepts have merit, but it makes clear the province has more work to do to help the municipalities,” he said.

-With files from CTV’s Danton Unger