Where is the plan, City of Winnipeg?

Today is another day at the City where a decision will be made about another city defining development... the second phase of the Rapid Transit line.

Why is the City of Winnipeg rushing through with the approval of transit routes and multi use major developments prior to progressing with a cohesive overlay to tie them all together, a precinct plan for the neighbourhood. It seems like there are a multitude of developments that are passing through the City independently without any real discussion on how they impact one another. The Rapid Transit route through the Parker Lands, 1000 Taylor multi-use development and the Fort Rouge Rail Yards are all in process and all adjacent to one another but there is no overall plan to tie the developments together. What is the City thinking? Where are the basic planning principles in this decision? 

We all know that development is inevitable to support the growing city and adding to vibrancy of communities, improving transportation and offering housing solutions but there should be some oversight and forward planning that ties these communities, linkages to parks, transit and shopping areas together. If there is no overlay and future planning, we will continue to see dysfunctional neighbourhoods that are not compatible and ignore the community needs.

These are key areas of Winnipeg that need a cohesive plan. I suggest the City pause and re-group, get everyone on board (community included) and plan the area as a whole. There is one opportunity to get it right!