New map from province could impact development rules near Winnipeg airport
A new map released by the province, and currently in the consultation phase could change the rules around residential development in the vicinity of the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
The Manitoba government released a draft airport vicinity protection area map on Monday, which would regulate where development can occur in the area of the airport.
“This is the next important and long-overdue step forward for Manitoba’s largest airport and the area surrounding it,” Municipal Relations Minister Derek Johnson said in a statement. “Current land-use policies have not been updated in a quarter of a century and are based on outdated forecasts of aircraft noise.”
The draft airport vicinity protection area map, released by the province on Monday. (Image source: Manitoba government)
The draft airport vicinity protection area map, released by the province on Monday. (Image source: Manitoba government)
Under the proposed changes, lands that fall under area one, the land closest to the airport, are prohibited from having new residential development, except for minor infill and replacement of existing homes. Area two lands permit new multi-unit buildings up to 85 units per hectare, with development over 85 units requiring a conditional use permit.
“Existing areas currently prohibited from development under the Airport Vicinity Protection Area Secondary Plan are no longer reflective of current conditions on the ground as its geographic extent extends far beyond the reach of actual airport-related noise impacts,” a post on the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal reads. “For these reasons, there is an opportunity to allow for residential development closer to the airport without negatively impacting current and future airport operations."
Airport Vicinity Protection Area plan currently used in Winnipeg (image source: City of Winnipeg)
Airport Vicinity Protection Area plan currently used in Winnipeg (image source: City of Winnipeg)
Transport Canada says residential construction or development should not be permitted in areas with a Noise Exposure Forecast of between 30 and 35.
According to the province, the proposed regulation is based on up-to-date scientific data on noise in the area of the neighbourhood.
A noise study was commissioned in August of 2020.
City councillor Scott Gillingham welcomed the new map from the province.
"I've been stating since 2016 calling for an update to the outdated Airport Vicinity Protection area, so I welcome this news," he said in a statement to CTV News.
The new plan from the province is currently in a public consultation phase for 45 days.
“Within six months of the regulation coming into force, the City of Winnipeg must establish an Airport Vicinity Protection Area in its development plan bylaw that consists of the lands contained within the new AVPA and, in the interim, must adopt policies that are consistent with policies set out in the regulation,” the province wrote in a statement. “Ultimately, the city must also enact a zoning bylaw that ensures the use of real property and development in the AVPA is consistent with the policies set out in the regulation.”
Shindico and Cadillac Fairview are proposing residential developments on the old stadium site and around Polo Park Mall.
However, the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) had concerns the development would lead to more noise complaints.
Justin Zarnowski, general counsel for Shindico, said the company is pleased with the announcement from the province, saying it shows residential development is safe in the Polo Park area.
“We did the science and it showed this, the province did the science and it showed this, so we’re happy that this finally happened,” he said.
In a statement, the WAA said they couldn’t comment on the details, since they just learned about the plan.
“WAA has continued to advocate for an update to the plan and seemed to be heading in this direction, with City Council set to vote on a motion to do so this month,” a spokesperson wrote in a statement. “WAA is surprised the Province is going against the recommendation in their own report to work collaboratively with the City and Airport toward this goal.”
-With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.