Latest proposed Winnipeg zoning rules 'a step forward,' says councillor who has criticized changes

The City of Winnipeg has unveiled a set of proposed zoning changes to increase housing density, which one councillor who previously criticized some changes says move in the right direction.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) says he's pleased to see some of his concerns addressed, but more work needs to be done.

"I don't want to make it sound like … it's all fine now, but I also don't want to make it sound like the staff have been completely ignoring the councillors or the public," Mayes said Wednesday.

"I think compared to what we saw in December or before that, this is a step forward."

They would allow up to four units on city lots zoned for single-family houses and duplexes, and up to four storeys near high-frequency transit stops.

If approved, property owners would no longer have to go through a potentially lengthy city application process, including a public hearing, for some projects.

Changes to the proposed new rules include a requirement for triplexes and fourplexes to have a paved back lane. Only single-family houses and duplexes will be allowed on gravel back lanes.

The latest draft also lowers the maximum height limit for fourplexes built within 800 metres of frequent public transit, from 48 feet (13.6 metres) to 39 feet (11.9 metres). 

A presentation on the latest draft of the zoning changes can be found on the city's website.

Mayor Scott Gillingham praised city staff for incorporating the input of councillors into the new rules, which the city is required to make in order to qualify for $122.4 million from the federal housing accelerator fund.

"I think what our staff has proposed reflects that they have heard feedback, they've tried to incorporate some feedback from councillors, and members of the public as well, who wanted to see some changes from what was originally proposed before we get to the hearing," Gillingham said.

A public hearing on the new zoning rules is expected later this spring.

Mayes said he will keep an open mind, but he still has concerns about what the city is proposing, including lot widths that he considers to be too narrow.

He also worries about the fact that members of the public will lose the right to voice concerns about some types of developments in their neighbourhoods.

"This will be a big change. This is a big loss of democracy," said Mayes. "We're changing the rules with one hearing, so if you have concerns, now is the time to come forward."

A date for the public hearing has not been set.