New zoning rules to increase density in mature neighbourhoods approved by Winnipeg committee

Winnipeg’s mature communities could see more houses being built. The city has embarked on a process to completely overhaul its zoning rules. Earlier this year, it loosened rules around minor construction projects like fences and decks. Today, the property committee approved a raft of changes to make it easier to build infill housing. We’re going a little deeper in the zoning bylaw, and we’re looking at townhomes, we’re looking at patios, and we’re we’re certainly looking at parking. And. Public Washrooms. The changes will allow duplexes and triplexes in single family neighborhoods. The changes will apply to Winnipeg’s mature neighborhoods, meaning those built before 1950. Some residents, like Brian Pincott, welcome the changes. I support the changes because they start opening up the opportunity to have more housing within our existing established neighborhoods, which is exactly what we need. Others worried about the changes to the character of their neighborhood. John Orlicho represents the River Heights Fort Gary Ward. Just to do in mature neighborhoods, I find, puts the mature neighbor the focus just on mature neighborhoods. It needs to be expanded to other neighborhoods as well. Other changes would make it easier for businesses to add patios and allow public washrooms as an accessory use. The city agreed to make the changes in exchange for 122 million from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. More changes are expected to come later this year, when the city will consider allowing up to 4 units per lot citywide. Councillor Brian Mays represents the Saint Patel ward. I continue to have concerns about what’s coming in the fall, but I think today it’s it’s really staff trying to implement what we told them to do, and it’ll be good. Council still needs to approve the zoning changes. Cameron McLean, CBC News, Winnipeg.