‘It’s not for us’: Manitoba municipalities given choice to opt out of controversial Plan 20-50 – Winnipeg

The potential for a more cohesive Winnipeg Metropolitan Region may be in jeopardy before it even takes off.

The province has announced its intention to introduce legislation that would allow municipalities and cities to opt out of Plan 20-50.

This initiative, which outlines proposed guidelines for how the City of Winnipeg, surrounding communities, and rural municipalities can collaborate as the region expands, has sparked controversy.

A recent public meeting in Niverville, Man., was abruptly ended due to overwhelming attendance and some misunderstandings about the goals of the plan.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, Premier Wab Kinew explained that the decision is aimed at granting individual municipalities the autonomy to make their own choices.

“We have listened to the concerns raised by municipalities, and that is why we are moving ahead with legislation to make participation in Plan 20-50 voluntary,” Kinew stated.

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“We are collaborating with communities like Selkirk, Niverville, and Stonewall to stimulate economic growth and develop housing solutions that align with their needs,” Kinew added.

Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson, who has been vocal about his opposition to the project from the beginning, told 680 CJOB’s The Start that he supports the concept of Plan 20-50 but believes it is not the right fit for Selkirk.

“We were the first municipality, the first city, to request an exemption from the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region and Plan 20-50,” Johannson explained. “We do not see ourselves as part of that region. We have our own unique identity.”

“Our objection to Plan 20-50 has never been about its potential benefits for others. Our main concern has always been that it does not align with our community’s needs,” Johannson emphasized.

Johannson expressed gratitude for the provincial government’s reconsideration and commended their handling of the contentious project, which was initiated by the previous administration.

“They inherited this situation. They were handed this complex issue by the previous government… and I commend them for their approach. They took the time to assess the situation and listen to the municipalities,” he stated.

Municipal Relations Minister Ian Bushie indicated that further details regarding the changes will be provided once the legislation is formally introduced.

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