Manitoba is updating its land-use policies and is seeking input from the public, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton announced.
 
“Effective land-use policies are important for managing change and development in ways that build strong communities, promote a healthy environment and sustain a sound economy,” said Ashton.  “We need to hear the views of Manitobans to ensure the proposed changes will benefit the province for generations to come.”
 
The draft provincial land-use policies propose to clarify some policies and to make them more coherent and integrated, the minister said.  There is also a need to address emerging issues such as climate change and to strengthen existing policies in areas such as the protection of Manitoba’s water resources.
 
The government will be hosting workshops around the province as well as meeting with key stakeholders. Consultation materials, including the draft policies, and the opportunity to provide feedback is also being provided at www.gov.mb.ca/ia and via email at plups@gov.mb.ca.
 
Manitoba was the first provincial jurisdiction in Canada to adopt provincial land-use policies in 1980.  The policies were last reviewed and rewritten in 1994, to incorporate the principles of sustainable development. In 2006, the agriculture policy was amended to address the development of livestock operations.
 
Consultation will take place through the month of April and wrap up in early May.  Land-use policies are expected to be finalized in the fall of 2009.