After an extensive 18-month process that was capped by a four-day public hearing, City Council has endorsed zoning changes designed to increase housing options across Winnipeg, keep homes affordable, and unlock more than $450 million in confirmed and potential federal funding for key city priorities.
“These changes are about the future of our city,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’re growing fast, and we need to make sure there’s room for everyone – young workers, families, and older adults alike. These updates will help ensure Winnipeg stays affordable and competitive while making the best use of our existing infrastructure.”
Over 70,000 new residents have made Winnipeg home in the past three years – the fastest growth the city has seen in 70 years. The new zoning rules will allow for a greater variety of housing types in more neighbourhoods, helping to address low vacancy rates and meet rising demand.
The zoning updates also meet a key condition tied to funding through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, and the Canada Public Transit Fund. More than $450 million in potential federal support is linked to these changes, including investments in:
- New affordable and attainable housing projects
- The new North End Water Pollution Control Centre
- The Southwest Interceptor
- Public transit improvements
“If we want to keep growing without putting more pressure on property taxes and utility fees, we need to be smart about how we plan and how we leverage support from other governments,” said Gillingham. “Other cities across Canada are making these same changes. Winnipeg can’t afford to be left behind.”
Many other major Canadian cities have recently made similar changes, including: Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Mississauga, Markham, Toronto, Ottawa, Fredericton, Halifax, Charlottetown and St. Johns.
Winnipeg’s updated zoning bylaw was shaped through consultation with the public and City Councillors, and reflects compromises to balance citywide housing needs with neighbourhood concerns. First reading of the revised bylaw will take place at a special Council meeting next week.
“This is a practical plan that positions Winnipeg for long-term success,” said Gillingham. “Now we need industry to get to work building the homes Winnipeggers are waiting for.”