It’s important for the residents of the River Heights/Ft. Garry Ward to be aware of and participate in discussions about proposed zoning changes, especially those that could significantly impact their neighborhoods. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and why they matter:
Key Points:
- Increased Density:
- The proposed changes aim to increase housing density, meaning more people living in the area.
- This is being achieved by allowing the construction of 2, 3, and 4-plexes, as well as 4-story buildings.
- “As of Right” Construction:
- Proposed “As of right” zoning means developers can build without needing specific zoning variances or public hearings for each project.
- This significantly reduces resident input and control.
- This is a major change from how many residents are used to development happening.
Urgency and Time Sensitivity:
- There is a limited time frame for residents to get informed and provide feedback.
Get Information and provide feedback:
- I encourage residents to attend at least one session to get first-hand information.
Three Virtual events (registration required):
To register, email infillhousing@winnipeg.ca with your preferred date and session time slot:
- Monday, March 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.
One In-person event (come and go format):
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: RBC Convention Centre – 375 York Ave., North Building, Room 4-5
Presentation materials will be available at winnipeg.ca/infillhousing starting Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Ask questions and provide feedback:
- The Q&A period (March 17 to April 27) and the upcoming public hearing in late spring are the opportunities you will have to make sure your voice is heard.
Next steps:
- You have 6 weeks to submit questions at infillhousing@winnipeg.ca during the Q&A period, from March 17 to April 27, 2025.
- After the open houses and Q&A period, the City will complete a draft of the zoning bylaw changes for Council’s consideration by Council through a public hearing.
- The public hearing is scheduled for late spring is the last major opportunity for the public to have their voices heard and for changes to the proposed by-law.
Resident Help Guide:
Think About the potential impacts on your specific streets and neighborhood, such as:
- Increased traffic and parking congestion.
- Changes in neighborhood character and aesthetics.
- Potential strain on existing infrastructure (sewage, water, etc.).
- Changes to property values.
- Noise.
- Loss of trees.
Some Questions that you may want to ask:
- What does “as of right zoning” mean?
- Will I know of and be provided input on what is being built beside my home?
- How will the city address potential parking and traffic issues?
- What measures will be in place to ensure the quality and compatibility of new developments with existing neighborhoods?
- How will current infrastructure be upgraded to handle the increase in population density?
- Will existing trees be protected?
- How far will new builds be from the property line on the side of the new home?
- What is the allowable height of developments on my street?
- How many parking spaces are required?
Community Organization:
- I encourage residents to connect with their neighbors and form local groups to discuss the proposed changes and coordinate their responses.
Yours truly,
Councillor for the River Heights – Ft. Garry Ward
FORWARD TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS AND FRIENDS
Councillor Orlikow‘s contact information, www.orlikow.ca, jorlikow@winnipeg.ca, 204-986-5236
