Winnipeg, MB – The Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update proposes significant enhancements to the permits system, which will help to support new development and drive economic growth.
“As Winnipeg begins its multi-year recovery from the global pandemic, new development will help to drive economic growth,” said Cindy Gilroy, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage and Downtown Development. “These enhancements will help ensure the City’s permits system is processing permit applications effectively and efficiently.”
The enhancements proposed in the Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update would convert 16 temporary full-time equivalent staff to 16 permanent full-time equivalent staff in the City’s permits division. This change would enable the City to ensure staffing continuity, proactively address ongoing backlogs in permit processing and inspections, and ensure effective, consistent treatment of permit applications.
Additionally, the Economic Response and Recovery Plan, which was recently passed with unanimous support by Council, includes important actions not captured in the Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update. The Economic Response and Recovery Plan commits to continued improvement in permit and inspection processes to better respond to fluctuations in demand.
“In addition to the 16 permanent full-time employees, I will be working with my committee to recommend the implementation of Council’s direction,” said Gilroy. “I will propose the City reinvest all future increases in permit fee revenues back into the service starting in 2023 as part of an ongoing multi-year commitment to continuous improvement of development and inspection processes.”