August 11, 2020
Request for Proposals Issued for Winnipeg Richardson International Airport Planning Area
– – –Study to be Conducted to Update Plans and Make Recommendations Regarding the Planning Area: Ministers
The Manitoba government will invest in a review of existing land-use policies and update an aircraft noise study for the Winnipeg James A. Richardson International Airport, Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires and Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“This is an important and long-overdue step forward for Manitoba’s largest airport and the area surrounding it,” said Squires. “The plan’s noise exposure forecast map, and the policies surrounding it, have not been updated for more than 25 years. The review of existing land-use policies, along with an updated noise exposure study, will ensure the Airport Vicinity Protection Area will appropriately reflect current conditions and noise thresholds in order to accommodate increased economic activity in the area while protecting the airport’s 24 hour operations.”
“We are reducing barriers to development and economic growth by ensuring that information for decision making is current, while reducing planning approval and permitting delays and protecting the airport’s 24 hour operations,” said Eichler. “Up-to-date, scientific data on noise in the vicinity of the airport is crucial to help guide decisions on the type and scale of development that can occur in the area while fostering the airport’s continued growth.”
The request for proposals (RFP) will engage external experts to complete a study that will recommend updates and changes to the Airport Vicinity Protection Area Secondary Plan (AVPA), enacted in 1994. This City of Winnipeg plan is a land-use document that aims to mitigate potential land-use conflicts associated with noise and other impacts generated by airport operations.
“WAA commends the Province of Manitoba for showing leadership and moving forward with a review of the AVPA,” said Barry Rempel, president and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA). “This review is an opportunity to chart a new course for our province that sees optimal use of existing infrastructure for further residential and mixed-use development while protecting the community’s air connectivity, all founded on best practice and the latest scientific evidence.”
The noise exposure forecast is the official measurement used in Canada for aircraft noise assessment. Transport Canada considers residential development incompatible with airport operations in areas that exceed specific noise thresholds.
The RFP has been posted to MERX at www.merx.com under an open tendering process.
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