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In 2024, it became clear that the perception and priorities for regional planning had shifted and that Plan20-50, developed under the WMR’s 2019 mandate, no longer met local needs or provincial expectations. On December 19, 2024, the WMR Board decided not to move forward with the plan. Early in 2025, the WMR began working with the Province of Manitoba to reset our approach and create a framework that truly reflects the priorities of municipalities, the region, and the province.

Why Regional Planning Matters
 

People expect safe roads, clean water, working sewer systems, and reliable services no matter which municipality they live in. But as the capital region continues to grow, the way development is happening puts pressure on those systems and stretches limited resources. Without a shared plan, infrastructure can become disconnected, investments may not line up with actual needs, and some communities may face bigger burdens than others.

Regional planning helps communities work together to guide growth more effectively. It supports:

• Better use of existing infrastructure and services by avoiding duplication and making the most of what’s already in place.
• Smarter investment by creating more predictability for developers, businesses, and governments.
• A more coordinated response to region-wide challenges like housing pressures, limited transportation choices, natural hazards like floods, drought and fires, and environmental stewardship.
• A fairer and more balanced approach to growth across municipal boundaries.

Regional planning does not replace local decision-making. It strengthens it by helping communities see how their choices connect to the region as a whole.

Where the Process Stands

In February 2025, the Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations met with the WMR Board to share the Province’s priorities for collaboration and regional planning in the capital region. On the same day, the WMR Board began shaping the principles that would guide the reset to regional planning and move the region forward together.

With the passing of Bill 4 - The Planning Amendment Act (Bill 4), the WMR Board is still responsible for preparing a regional plan. A new regional plan is now in development and is expected to be ready by spring 2026. Bill 4 also provides municipalities the ability to choose to stay at the WMR Board table; municipalities have until October 2026 to make that decision. The province is also reviewing the legislation that guides regional planning and a report is expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly in October 2025. This timeline gives everyone time to understand the changes and make informed choices. This also gives the WMR a window of opportunity to shape what regional planning will mean for us and how we move forward together.

Manitoba’s capital region is one of the few regions in Canada without a long-term regional plan. This is our chance to change that and to put in place a shared vision that supports growth, smart investment, and strong communities into the future.

Looking Ahead

Regional planning is a key part of the solution. It works alongside thoughtful economic development strategies, approaches to retain and expand businesses and jobs, and plans to address local needs. Regional planning creates the foundation for this important work across jurisdictions. It gives us a clearer picture of where growth is happening, informs sound infrastructure planning, and guides where investment makes sense and how we can use limited resources wisely.

In the months ahead, we will be sharing clear, accessible materials to support a stronger understanding of regional planning and help ensure decisions are based on facts, not misinformation.

This reset is a real opportunity to get it right, to work together, and to build something better for our region and for the province.