An amendment to planning in our municipalities is in the works according to an announcement on March 19. The province is introducing new legislation to modernize the Planning Act, and ensure fair opportunities for economic development in rural municipalities. Portage la Prairie Planning District development officer Kinelm Brookes says there are concerns that require clarification among the proposals listed.

Kinelm Brookes"Concerns I had on it include allowing municipal officials authorized by council to grant variations under the zoning by-law for by-law requirements, such as square footage, height, and parking spaces, without holding council hearings," explains Brookes. "I have some concerns on the process of that and who they're going to appoint to do that."

He notes another concern is how municipalities must review livestock operations zoning bylaws within one year. He says council could potentially raise a cap of 300 animal units to 600, and the technical review couldn't be done until 600 animal units are actually in existence. He says that's quite a leap from 300.

Brookes says member of the public could also opt to receive notice of public hearings by email, implying the municipality has to obtain all the email addresses of the public, which is incredibly hard to do.

He says all of these elements are only proposals. They currently send out applications for a hearing date. If the Municipal official has the power to approve them, then there is no hearing. Then letters of notification are sent out to all within a 100 metre radius that the approval has been made. Those who disagree with approval can appeal it and go to council. The question is how all of this process will actually work.

He notes stakeholder meetings are coming up, and he'd like to see one held here in Portage, noting that's not the case at the moment.