Planning Zoning and Permitting in Manitoba Action Plan

Planning, Zoning and Permitting in Manitoba Action Plan December 2019 1

Immediate and Ongoing Action Spring 2020 Fall 2020 to 2023 and onward Enable Coordinated Planning Draft Wpg. Metro Region Plan Local Plans Aligned w. Metro Plan Define Appeal Body Define Appeal Process Define Inspection Standards Develop Service Time Standards Improved PUB Model Clear, Streamlined Building Codes Improved, Consistent & Timely Provincial, Hydro & Municipal Inspection & Development Services Enable Consistent Inspections Enable Service Time Standards Public Utilities Board Reviewed 2

# Planning, Zoning and Permitting Review Recommendations Action Plan 1 Accelerate the pace at which the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region is moving to adopt a co-ordinated approach to development. Establish a Working Group that includes representatives from the municipalities, metropolitan region, province and the private sector. • Create a new quasi-judicial tribunal, or broaden and enhance the mandate of the existing municipal board, to allow it to hear a wide range of planning, zoning and permitting appeals across the entire province. • Enact legislation that establishes “service standards” (including specified and enforceable timelines) for all levels of permitting and zoning applications across the province. • • • 2 3 • • • Establish the Provincial Working Group and task groups and advise on recommendations. Consider all materials, gather information, and draft new development planning principles and framework. Identify and draft legislative amendments as required to support the changes (Spring Session 2020). Review best practices of boards and appeal processes across Canada. Consult with existing boards and industry groups to develop provisions to establish an appeal board and processes. Identify and draft legislative amendments to support the changes (Spring Session 2020). Research best practices in service delivery standards. Collect baseline data across the province. Review internal and external tracking systems to select suitable electronic permit tracking system for implementation across the province. Identify and draft legislative amendments as required to support the changes (Spring Session 2020). 3

# Planning, Zoning and Permitting Review Recommendations Action Plan 4 Make inspections more consistent across the entire province. • Enhance self-regulatory frameworks for engineers and architects. • 5 • • 6 Adopt the latest version of the national building code and materially reduce the number of Manitoba amendments. • • Explore options for consistent training, certification, and licensing models for building officials. Establish consistent approach process that will drive consistent outcomes. Work collaboratively with the professional associations to identify and draft any required legislative amendments (Spring Session 2020). Enact rules to enable greater reliance on professional stamps supporting a balanced transfer of inspection responsibility. Adopt the 2015 national building code and only consider amendments that are truly unique to Manitoba requirements. Work within the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table related to free trade to review, adopt, and propose only required amendments to the national building code. 4

# Planning, Zoning and Permitting Review Recommendations Action Plan 7 Provide necessary interim support to developers and potential developers during the transition period. • • 8 Assist Manitoba Hydro to be more aligned with provincial economic development initiatives. • • 9 Clarify the future role of the Office of the Fire Commissioner. • • Build on work of Economic Development Office industry liaison officials to identify and compile common barriers and challenges faced by investors and companies related to permitting and licensing. Establish a one-stop concierge unit with key contacts to facilitate smooth transition for existing and new businesses. Clarify economic priorities and legislative amendments needed to improve the ability of industrial and commercial businesses to receive services from Manitoba Hydro. Work with Manitoba Hydro to develop and implement options that allow industry and municipalities enhanced access to information about power availability and costs. Work with Manitoba Hydro on harmonizing natural gas and electrical inspections and permitting processes. Explore opportunities for improved collaboration among common technical safety, and fire safety inspection processes between the OFC and municipalities, including Winnipeg. Work to streamline inspections and permitting processes in provincial parks. Explore changes required for further alternative service delivery and risk-based inspections across all inspection 5 services.

# Planning, Zoning and Permitting Review Recommendations Action Plan 10 That the Manitoba Government address the backlog of elevator and boiler permit applications and inspections and to ensure timely permitting on a go-forward basis. • • Transition inspection programs to a graded inspection model, allowing for longer permits with fewer inspections based on relevant risks. Work to recruit from a broader range of qualified staff. 11 Review the PUB model to ensure that the regulation of • utilities, including Manitoba Hydro and Winnipeg Water & Waste, are aligned with provincial economic development objectives. • Comprehensive review of the PUB model undertaken with a view towards outcomes across Manitoba (Spring Session 2020). Improved PUB model 12 The Province should work collaboratively with the City of Winnipeg to achieve rapid progress on specific, known projects or objectives of shared interest. Ongoing discussions with the City of Winnipeg to obtain industry and professional association feedback on red tape reduction and any required legislative amendments to deliver shorter timelines. • 6