Special council meeting for contentious zoning changes underway

The City of Winnipeg has started a hearing on controversial changes to its zoning bylaw to build more houses. Jeff Keele explains.

Dozens of people signed up to speak at a marathon public hearing of city council over controversial zoning changes in Winnipeg.

“It’s been respectful so far, we’ll see… Tempers will rise at some point, probably mine included,” said St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes.

The changes would see duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes permitted on lots in most residential zones “as of right.” The term means if those projects meet certain standards, they can move ahead without a public hearing.

The hearing that started Monday could take days. At the beginning, 21 were set to speak in favour of the proposed bylaw, 25 against, and seven registered to provide information.

Michael Helms, who is in favour of the proposed changes, said the city should let the housing stock grow to curb urban sprawl.

“I think that a way to allow this gentle building to occur, without having to go through each lengthy process, will be a good move for the city,” said Helms.

Under the bylaw, buildings could be four storeys if they’re within 800 meters of high-frequency transit routes.

“Six months ago the vacancy rate in Manitoba was below two per cent,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

The new rules are on the table to qualify for $122 million of federal housing money and to combat the housing crisis facing Winnipeg and other Canadian cities by fast-tracking construction.

“There’s pressure at every level, at market, affordable, deeply affordable,” said Gillingham. “It is no secret across this nation and in Winnipeg we need housing and we need more housing built as quickly as possible.”

But many have concerns about the loss of a public hearing, worried they won’t have a say or know what’s going up next door.

Frances Waters is worried about the impact on drainage, the tree canopy, and the size of the developments. She calls the proposal madness.

“Our houses were built and designed for side yards, not to have somebody seven feet away,” said Waters.

“If you’re going to have a three-plex or a four-plex and you don’t have a back lane, you need more than 60 feet of lot width,” said Mayes.

City administrators did tell the hearing that homeowners who want information on a project in their neighbourhood can check the permits website for more information.