December 4, 2014
Manitoba Government Introduces New Legislation that would Support Development of CentrePort
– – –New Planning Framework Would Support New Private Investment, Job Creation: Premier Selinger
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would create a new special planning area for CentrePort Canada to speed up development approvals, help attract new private investment and create jobs while ensuring local landowners and residents continue to participate in a public review process for planning and development, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“This legislation would streamline the planning and development approval process, while ensuring the local community continues to have a strong voice in these important decisions,” Premier Selinger said.
The proposed planning amendment act would create a new special planning area (SPA) for CentrePort land located within the Rural Municipality (RM) of Rosser. It would also establish a new special planning authority that would hold public hearings and provide advice and recommendations to the minister of municipal government on planning bylaws, amendments, subdivision applications and other development within the SPA.
The special planning authority would include representatives from Rosser, the City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Airports Authority, CentrePort Canada Inc. and the Manitoba government. This multi-stakeholder approach would ensure planning is co-ordinated and consistent across the entire CentrePort footprint, the premier said.
Premier Selinger emphasized that local landowners and residents would still remain a key part of the planning and development review process. The Rosser council would also have continued input on local planning decisions and the RM would be able to access planning expertise for major land developments, he added.
“The RM of Rosser is pleased to see the Manitoba government is moving ahead with the proposed legislative changes necessary to create a special planning area within the CentrePort Canada footprint,” said Reeve Frances Smee. “We’re excited to be moving forward with servicing the Rosser CentrePort lands and implementation of the SPA will support our collective vision for CentrePort development.”
“The proposed new special planning area and authority would provide CentrePort with another key differentiator when it comes to selling the inland port to potential investors,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. “This single-window approach will result in more timely approvals and give us a competitive edge in attracting new and early private investment decisions. It will also provide business with improved cost and planning certainty, and provide the community with an accountable and transparent planning process.”
The creation of a special planning area is a key part of the Manitoba government’s strategy to support the ongoing development of CentrePort Canada, the premier said. He noted other important provincial investments include the construction of CentrePort Canada Way and its planned extension to bypass Headingley, the extension of water and sewer services to CentrePort lands, and the development of the new CentrePort Canada Rail Park.
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