In 2017, Mayors and Reeves from municipalities in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) and from the South Basin of Lake Winnipeg gathered at the University of Winnipeg to develop a framework to recognize, measure and account for natural assets.
This year, leaders continue the process started in 2017. The WMR in association with its regional partners is taking the first steps to understanding our regional natural assets, such as rivers and water, wetlands, forests (including urban), agricultural land, parks, grasslands, and sunlight.
Leaders have begun to inventory our regional natural resources with our partners at the Municipal Natural Asset Initiative (MNAI). Led by Roy Brooke and Michelle Molnar, the MNAI is developing tools and processes to help communities quantify and manage their natural assets.
Natalie Lagasse, WMR Planner, has been working on this project since the first meeting and continues to work on it today. Natalie recently spoke with Sydney Lockhart at The Selkirk Record about the Municipal Natural Asset Initiative. To read the article, click here.
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Have a voice and help shape the future of our region
Manitoba’s first long-term regional plan to guide land use, servicing and development in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region for the next 30 years – Draft Plan20-50 – has been released to the public for feedback.
“Draft Plan20-50 is a roadmap for planning beyond boundaries and election cycles to secure a high-quality of life for Manitoba’s growing metropolitan region to 2050,” said Winnipeg Metropolitan Region Executive Director Colleen Sklar, “The draft is the foundation to move our region forward, helping our economy recover, attracting new opportunities and creating good jobs for all.”
Now, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region would like to hear from Manitobans. All feedback received prior to June 1, 2021 will be compiled into the Draft Plan20-50 Review Document and be delivered along with the draft plan to the Minister of Municipal Relations, the Honourable Derek Johnson, at the province of Manitoba.
In 2019, the province of Manitoba asked the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) to develop Draft Plan20-50, a plan to help coordinate at a regional level. In preparing the draft plan document, the WMR met with over 500 organizations and individuals and spent over 1000 hours in interviews.
Draft Plan20-50:
- Coordinates and ensures the long-term supply of serviced residential, commercial and industrial land;
- Provides confidence for investment;
- Plans, prioritizes and facilitates investment in infrastructure;
- Secures the protection of agricultural land, natural land and freshwater resources;
- Builds resilience to flooding and drought and the effects of a changing climate; and,
- Ensures efficient and effective service delivery to residents and businesses.
Getting to Draft Plan20-50 has not been an easy process, and no plan is ever perfect. The leaders of the WMR have taken a balanced approach to addressing the region’s needs and meeting the key components necessary for a regional plan.
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and some don’t.
Across our growing region, municipalities are planning for the future through their local planning processes. A regional plan does not take away from the local processes, or the need to plan locally. A regional plan ensures that local plans can be coordinated where one municipality supports and enhances its neighbours’ plans. This is detailed in Plan20-50’s Integrated Communities and Infrastructure Policy Area.
A regional approach can identify and plan for the infrastructure we need to support our economy and way of life. It allows us to take a bird’s eye view of what’s happening on the ground today and what’s anticipated for the future.
Strong communities offer housing choices, local employment opportunities, regional transportation networks, recreation and leisure activities, while protecting and preserving valuable resources—like agricultural lands and water—for future generations.
We’re building a plan to improve quality of life in our communities.
Important economies of scale can be reached when municipalities explore shared approaches to service delivery—creating efficiencies and savings that can be locally reinvested. A regional plan is key to addressing future infrastructure needs that aren’t limited by municipal borders—such as next-generation Internet, transportation corridors, and sustainable sewer and water.
These infrastructure needs require regional collaboration. Draft Plan20-50 will support integrated planning and infrastructure investment to increase our economic competitiveness and create connected, safe, and vibrant communities.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Tell us what’s most important to you.
About the Plan:
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
No matter how good they are, a superstar will never beat a team.
Regional planning creates opportunities for all municipalities and reduces the development of local economies in isolation—this improves the Winnipeg Metro Region’s position to participate in the global marketplace.
Across North America, successful regions have increased respect between individual municipalities while creating a clear, consistent framework to support all regional members. Good working relationships are the foundation to incorporate the needs of communities and build a prosperous Winnipeg Metro Region for all. Good governance and sound decision-making require access to shared data, an environment of trust, and systems for collaboration across all levels of government.
We’re building a plan to benefit all municipalities.
Everyone knows the financial benefits of bulk purchasing. Regional collaboration means new opportunities to work together to improve the services citizens count on and bringing costs down for everyone.
Draft Plan20-50 will identify a framework to establish improved data sharing across the region, simplify the process of creating shared service agreements, improve collaboration between municipalities and Indigenous governments, manage common assets, and establish fair and consistent land use planning, servicing, and development processes.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Tell us what’s most important to you.
About the Plan:
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
It’s a question of values.
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors for Manitoba’s economy, contributing almost $1.6 billion per year and representing 35 per cent of our labour force.
Resources, like agricultural lands, minerals and more, provide substantial economic opportunities for our region, generating income, employment, and export opportunities. A regional approach to resource management protects resource-related lands. It creates consistency and fairness, reduces friction between homeowners and agricultural/industrial operations, helps reduce fragmentation and conversion of prime agricultural lands, and supports economic growth and investment.
We’re building a plan to protect our resources.
With the Winnipeg Metro Region being the fastest-growing area of the province, we must work together to balance growth with the need to protect our air, water, and soil for the future. Not only do resource lands support economic prosperity, but they are also vital to environmental stewardship and can be an important component to building a climate-resilient region.
Draft Plan20-50 will advance efforts to preserve economic development resources, ensuring the agricultural industry supports the region’s food production, supply, and security in addition to being a strong and stable source of employment.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Tell us what’s most important to you.
About the Plan:
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
***
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Collaborative Governance
Regional planning creates opportunities for all municipalities and reduces the development of local economies in isolation—this improves the Winnipeg Metro Region’s position to participate in the global marketplace.
Across North America, successful regions have increased respect between individual municipalities while creating a clear, consistent framework to support all regional members. Good working relationships are the foundation to incorporate the needs of communities and build a prosperous Winnipeg Metro Region for all. Good governance and sound decision-making require access to shared data, an environment of trust, and systems for collaboration across all levels of government.
We’re building a plan to benefit all municipalities. Everyone knows the financial benefits of bulk purchasing. Regional collaboration means new opportunities to work together to improve the services citizens count on and bringing costs down for everyone.
Draft Plan20-50 will identify a framework to establish improved data sharing across the region, simplify the process of creating shared service agreements, improve collaboration between municipalities and Indigenous governments, manage common assets, and establish fair and consistent land use planning, servicing, and development processes.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
Because water crosses all boundaries.
Five watershed districts and 18 sub-districts were developed within the Winnipeg Metro Region in January 2020, in an effort to best manage water, land, and biodiversity resources in Manitoba.
A watershed is a defined geographic area where all surface water drains into a common point.This means that everyone across the region has a direct impact on—and is directly impacted by—the quality of our freshwater resources, even if you don’t live near a shoreline.
It is clear that we must plan for climate change and build resiliency in our region. Municipalities must work together to respond to floods, droughts, and the effects of extreme weather events. To be wise environmental stewards we have to support healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and watersheds and ensure optimal water quality and quantity, while balancing the needs of the natural environment, the needs of communities, and the needs of a growing economy.
We’re building a plan to protect our environment.
Collaboration is vital to the long-term protection of the natural resources that we all share. As the Winnipeg Metro Region continues to grow, a collaborative approach is critical to preserving agricultural and sensitive lands while facilitating new development.
Draft Plan20-50 will provide effective and consistent approaches to protect, restore, and enhance our ecosystems, watersheds, and environmentally sensitive areas across the region. It will also recognize the social and economic importance of traditional lifestyles, recreation, and tourism for future generations. We are all connected by water and we will benefit by working together to protect it.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Tell us what’s most important to you.
About the Plan:
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
***
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Resource Management
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors for Manitoba’s economy, contributing approximately $1.6 billion annually and representing 35 per cent of the provincial labour force.
Resources provide substantial economic opportunities for the region as they generate income, employment, and export opportunities. A regional approach to resource management protects resource-related lands. It creates consistency and fairness, reduces friction between homeowners and agricultural/industrial operations, helps reduce fragmentation and conversion of prime agricultural lands, and supports economic growth and investment.
We’re building a plan to protect our resources. With the Winnipeg Metro Region being the fastest-growing area of the province, we must work together to balance growth with the need to protect our air, water, and soil for the future. Not only do resource lands support economic prosperity, but they are also vital to environmental stewardship and can be an important component to building a climate-resilient Region.
Draft Plan20-50 will advance efforts to preserve economic development resources, ensuring the agricultural industry supports the region’s food production, supply, and security in addition to being a strong and stable source of employment.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
Manitoba’s economy is poised for growth. We can keep developing small local economies in isolation or we can plan and act regionally. As a region, we can identify, protect and create strategic trade-enabling infrastructure, positioning us all to participate in the global marketplace. Regional economic development helps us build a strong reputation and brand to attract industries and opportunities that provide jobs and bring investment.
The Metro Region provided about 375,000 jobs in 2020 and is forecasted to add 138,000 more as we move toward 2050.
We’re building a plan to attract investment and create jobs.
Regional collaboration means being able to compete for new business in a way that municipalities could never do on their own. Draft Plan20-50 will support working together to plan for investment in critical infrastructure, strategic servicing, and human resources needed to be competitive.
Competing as a region means building a business-ready climate where investor expectations for real-time land, labour, resource, and planning data can consistently be met. Draft Plan20-50 will ensure the Winnipeg Metro Region has the tools to compete on the global stage.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
Tell us what’s most important to you.
About the Plan:
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
Become part of the conversation and keep up to date with all the latest.
The Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s 18 municipalities account for over two-thirds of Manitoba’s population and about 70 per cent of its provincial GDP. The Winnipeg Metro Region is the fastest-growing area of the province—expected to reach 1.1 million residents by 2050.
To accommodate this growth and ensure we have what it takes to meet the needs of our growing communities, businesses, and industries, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR)—through its mandate by the Province of Manitoba—took on the challenge of developing a first draft of a long-term land use and servicing plan: Plan20-50.
Draft Plan20-50 will allow us to balance the needs of today while planning for investments in infrastructure and servicing in the future—meeting all challenges head on and providing a quality of life that is second-to-none.
Building on the success and best practice from other regions across Canada and North America, the expert project team engaged over 400 stakeholders and organizations—including local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments; sector stakeholders; knowledge institutions; professional associations; the development community; planners; economic development professionals; and social and environmental non-government organizations—for input on the plan. Through a detailed research and analysis of our region, five key policy areas have been identified.
- Integrated Communities & Infrastructure
- One Environment
- Investment & Employment
- Resource Management
- Collaborative Governance
The first draft of Plan20-50 is expected to be complete by spring 2021. Through the five integrated policy areas, Plan20-50 allows municipalities to harness the benefits of regional collaboration while maintaining local character—creating a globally competitive Winnipeg Metro Region.
***
There are two things that are essential to the success of Draft Plan20-50: The first is ongoing collaboration, so that the finished plan reflects the input, needs, and realities of all WMR municipalities. The second is good data—so that, as we move forward, we can do so with an accurate understanding of how the population, housing, labour, and land needs in our region are likely to evolve over the next 30 years.
Investment & Employment
The Metro Region provided approximately 375,000 jobs in 2020 and is forecasted to add approximately 138,000 jobs as we move toward 2050.
We’re building a plan to attract investment and create jobs. Regional collaboration means being able to compete for new business in a way that municipalities could never do on their own. Draft Plan20-50 will support working together to plan for investment in critical infrastructure, strategic servicing, and human resources needed to be competitive.
Competing as a region means building a business-ready climate where investor expectations for real-time land, labour, resource, and planning data can consistently be met. Draft Plan20-50 will ensure the Winnipeg Metro Region has the tools to compete on the global stage.
That’s why Draft Plan20-50 is so important.
