New plan to create vision, consistency

Details

Published on Friday, October 21, 2016

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

Next week, area residents will have the chance to share their vision for the community’s future. On Oct. 27, the Neepawa and Area Planning District (NAPD) will be hosting a community workshop as they work to upgrade the area’s development plan. 

A development plan sets out what kind of development is allowed in all areas of a municipality.  It’s the framework that guides zoning and building bylaws as well. The new plan will apply to all three NAPD partner municipalities: the Town of Neepawa, the RM of Rosedale and the Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne.

The NAPD’s development plan was last reviewed in 2008. While the document is supposed to be reviewed and amended every five years, NAPD is facing an additional pressure to update theirs– amalgamation. Jeff Braun, NAPD’s development officer and building inspector explains that since Glenella and Lansdowne amalgamated into the Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne,what was once Glenella is subject to a different development plan than the rest of the area. 

Braun says the NAPD wants to have consistency across the entire area they cover. Michael Porrok, a councillor in the RM of Rosedale and chairman of the NAPD board, explains, "An accurate development plan is key to a successful vision of the Neepawa and Area Planning District and will provide for proper land use in all areas: agricultural, industrial, commercial and residential.” The six-member NAPD board is made up of two councillors from each of the three partner municipalities.

In addition to seeking consistency, the municipalities have undergone many changes since 2008. These changes, which include a large influx of new residents, might result in a different vision for the area and corresponding priorities for the partner municipalities. "I would like to encourage anyone with ideas for our area, either big or small, to attend our visioning session to help us accurately prepare a usable development plan to serve our area,” explained Braun.

The development plan can have an impact on all residents; it sets forward the compatibility of neighbouring land uses and determines, an appropriate mix of development, effective management of natural resources, preservation of natural and heritage resources, cost-effective and timely delivery of infrastructure services, protection of surface and groundwater and sustainable economic community growth. The plan guides zoning bylaws, which outline rules about land use in specific locations, building heights, setbacks and development densities.

The forum, which is being held with the help of WSP/MMM Group, the company hired to assist the board with the development plan review, will consist of two parts. The first will be a drop in session from 4 to 8 p.m. Braun explains the drop in will display maps and information, such as the background study already performed, engineering studies, infrastructure and travel routes. He explains that area residents can stop in, have a look and provide some feedback. From 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a visioning workshop, which will involve more specific feedback and roundtable discussions.  Braun explains that this will be more of a sit-down session, but the number of people who attend will determine whether participants are broken down into smaller groups, or work as one large group.

Braun encourages everyone to come and attend. “It’s not an easy process to develop or change [a development plan]… It’s wise to come out and attend,” he explains, especially encouraging people who may have some future plans or ideas for their properties. He also adds that they’d like to hear from people who don’t think the current plan is working well, “Now is the time to comment.”

The community workshop will take place on Oct. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. It will take place at the NAPD boardroom, in the Town of Neepawa office, at 275 Hamilton St. If anyone has feedback but is unable to attend, they can contact Braun directly, at (204) 476-3277, or Lauren Lange, with WSP/MMM, at 204-943-3178.