Winnipeg, MB – The preliminary 2021 Balanced Budget Update proposes $1.25 million to help support economic development in Winnipeg.
The $1.25 million to support economic development would be divided into two target areas:
- $750,000 would support additional planning staff with a focus on growing the assessment base by supporting residential permit volume increases, added focus on the pre-application process, and reviewing existing and/or develop secondary plans to guide new development. New development planners would also be added to help kickstart major investments and coordinate quicker turnaround times.
- $500,000 to re-establish the Office of Economic Development (OED) within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. The re-establishment of the OED in the CAO’s Office will help prioritize support for local businesses doing business with the City during and after the economic recovery. The OED will work with external stakeholders and will complement the work of Economic Development Winnipeg to support new, major economic development opportunities, and will help prioritize infrastructure investments that support economic growth.
“The creation of the Economic Development Officer position demonstrates this Council’s commitment to ensuring the City of Winnipeg is a partner in growth, not a hinderance to it,” said Jeff Browaty, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Innovation and Economic Development. “The Economic Development Officer will play an important role now, but more importantly, when we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.”