Planning for our shared future: OurWinnipeg & Complete Communities

Policy 1.8 (Accountable Revenue Generation) and policy 1.6 (Results-based Budgeting) speak to offseting service costs  and maximizing community return on investment intergenerationally. Policy 6.7 (Fiscally Sustainable Growth) speaks to the development of tools to equitably share costs related to development, 6.23 (New Communities) speaks to a defined level of service for pubic infrastructure to achieve complete communities. Policy 6.30 discusses what a full range of municipal services for urban land use designations which includes existing neighbourhoods. Complete Communities Direction Strategy 2.0 describes these policies in more detail.

Policy 2.21 (Leverage Green Infrastructure) speaks to the urban forest role in mitigating and adapting to the urban heat island effect. Policy 6.2 (Complete Communities Characteristics) include access to nature which would apply to new and infill development. OurWinnipeg sets the direction for the City but it does not identify the priority level for what will happen first.The Strategic Priorities Action plan will begin the process of policy alignment to the budget as that sets priorities. The Residential Infill Guidelines are anticipated for public engagement in Fall 2020 and may shed some light on this.

Policy doesn't specifically speak to that detailed context as this is a 25 year plan and its goals should outlast any specific Council or Provincial government actions although they do impact the City. Government action or inaction doesn't occur in isolation and collaboration and partnership are critical. Policy 1.12 (Integrated Regional Planning) identifies housing choice, and policy 4.4 (Affordable and Supportive Housing Options speaks to the need for those partnerships. The Complete Communities Direction Strategy 2.0 has some additional housing policy detail for review as well.

Thank you for sharing your perspective on a potential policy gap, the importance of greenspace and natural areas and alignment between City plans. We heard greenspaces were also important to participants of Phase 1 public engagement and integrated into the policy. Environmental Resilience, Objective 5 sets the stage for valuing the role natural ecosystems and green spaces play. Policy speaks to green infrastrucutre (2.20), public spaces (4.13), major open spaces (6.27), urban forests (2.21) and local food (2.22).

The draft OurWinnipeg talks about resilience, so we can be prepared for change and adapt quickly and collaboratively. Two policies speak most directly to this, 1.9 (Responsive Change Management) and 4.7 (Community Safety). Other policy that supports resilience all year round, not just in crisis situations includes circular economy (2.15), community economic development, local food supply (2.22), affordable and supportive housing (5.2).

Policy 4.3 (Proactive Health Intervention) speaks to how the City can be more proactive in addressing the root causes of socio-economic challenges residents face and understanding the social determinants of health. Policy 4.6 (Community Safety) speaks to crime prevention and trusting relationships but the policy doesn't  describe how this would happen or if redistribution of funds in needed. Economic Prosperity policy 3.12  (Poverty Reduction) links the need for basic needs to be met. A debate on re-allocating funds  would occur during annual review of the multi-year budget. More detail on  Winnipeg Police Service priorities can be found in their strategic plan "A Culture of Safety for All".

Policy 1.10 and 1.11 (Representative and Participatory Democracy) supports active and representative participation of community members on issues that impact them. Resident associations are one form this could take to achieve. Policy 1.16 speaks to funding of community organizations and how to determine priorities for funding for community benefit.

This level of detail is not covered in OurWinnipeg. Demolitions require a permit. Please contact Zoning & Permits Branch, Unit 31 - 30 Fort Street or call 204-986-5140 for details on the process.

Policy 5.2 (Affordable and Supportive Housing Options) describes housing as a human right so that would mean that there should be affordable housing options in all neighbourhoods so they are complete with a diversity of income levels living there. The City can support the development of affordable housing through land use and zoning tools. Social housing is a Provincial responsibility. Policy 5.3 (End Homelessness) speaks to Housing First Policy that could support ending homelessness and  policy 6.33 (Affordable and Supportive Housing Options) discuss the kind of housing options that would support a sustainable mix of options.

City senior leadership and employees have been working closely with us throughout and this has brought us to the point of bringing this draft for public feedback.