WINNIPEG - JANUARY 19, 2005 - Committed to ensuring a choice of housing options for the city’s growing population, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and the members of Executive Policy Committee (EPC) voted today to recommend to council an amendment to Plan Winnipeg that would see the development of Waverley West take another step forward.

"In my opinion, the applicants met the requirements set out in Plan Winnipeg to allow for this change," said Katz. "We are running short of housing lots, and we need to sustain the necessary land supply to allow our citizens to have their choice of housing. This land was put aside to meet this need. I think we should use it."

The recommendation was made this morning, following the conclusion of a public hearing which included two days of public delegations and presentations.

"Everyone has had the opportunity to participate in the debate, and now it’s city council’s turn to have their say," said Katz. "If the council and, ultimately, the province approve the Plan Winnipeg amendment, I am confident the concerns of residents regarding the proposed development can be addressed through the secondary planning process. We will not see taxpayers in other areas of the city subsidize this plan in any way."

If council ratifies EPC’s recommendation, the bylaw will be sent to the provincial Minister of Inter-governmental Affairs for a possible review by the Municipal Board.