The City of Selkirk is updating its Zoning By-law as required under Manitoba’s Planning Act, ensuring it reflects the city’s new forthcoming Development Plan, modern standards, and the city’s independent planning authority.
The update follows Selkirk’s 2022 decision to withdraw from the Red River Planning District (RRPD) and bring planning and building permitting services in-house. As part of this transition, the city recently completed the preparation of an updated Development Plan and is now obligated to update its Zoning By-law so that the two align in terms of local priorities.
No properties will be rezoned as a result of the update
The city will not be rezoning any properties as part of this update. Existing homes, businesses, and other legally established uses can continue to operate as they do today.
“This is a legislated requirement, and it’s also a practical one,” said Mayor Larry Johannson.
“Our current Zoning By-law is over 20 years old. Updating it ensures the standards guiding development reflect today’s Selkirk and support where we’re headed as a community.”
A Zoning By-law is one of the main tools used to guide how land is used and developed. It divides land into zones such as residential, commercial, industrial, and parks and sets standards for what can be built and where. These standards help ensure development happens in a way that is organized and consistent with the community’s long-term vision.
“Because we now plan independently, it’s important that our Zoning By-law reflects Selkirk’s own vision and priorities – not the Red River Planning framework we’re no longer part of”
Chief Administrative Officer, Duane Nicol.
Selkirk’s current Zoning By-law was adopted in 2001. While it has been updated over time, it has not undergone a full review since its original adoption. Over the past two decades, the city has grown and advanced several key plans that now guide future development, including the Community Strategic Plan, the West End Concept Plan, the Downtown Renewal Strategy, and the newly updated Development Plan anticipated for adoption this summer.
“Because we now plan independently, it’s important that our Zoning By-law reflects Selkirk’s own vision and priorities – not the Red River Planning framework we’re no longer part of,” said Chief Administrative Officer Duane Nicol.
“This update helps ensure our standards are clear, consistent, and aligned with the direction Council has set. We also want to make it more user-friendly for citizens and people looking to invest in Selkirk, be that folk building their new home or entrepreneurs bringing their business to Selkirk”.
Update does not change how residents use their property today
The update is focused on improving clarity, modernizing standards, and making the by-law easier to use for residents, builders, and businesses.
While some zones are being renamed or consolidated to improve usability, their intent is generally staying the same. The update does not change how residents use their property today and is focused on guiding future development.
The project began with a detailed review of the current Zoning By-law, supported by technical analysis and input from developers and builders. That review confirmed the by-law continues to serve the community well, with opportunities to improve clarity and better reflect current planning practices.
“This is not about changing what people can do with their property,” said Selkirk’s Urban Planner Erika Blackie.
“It’s about making sure the by-law is clear, up to date, and aligned with how Selkirk plans to grow.”
Enhanced Development Standards for Parking, Landscaping, privacy and Lighting concerns
The draft Zoning By-law includes several targeted improvements aimed at better aligning regulations with how the city is evolving. Updated parking standards are proposed to reflect different areas parking needs, while new landscaping and design standards are intended to enhance streetscapes, buffer different types of uses, improve stormwater absorption, and help reduce heat impacts. In the downtown, additional design standards are proposed to support a more active, welcoming streetscape while maintaining the area’s existing character. At the same time, buffering and screening requirements are being strengthened to better minimize impacts between different land uses, including addressing privacy and lighting concerns.
Under Manitoba’s Planning Act, a Zoning By-law must be generally consistent with a municipality’s Development Plan. While the Development Plan sets the overall direction for growth, the Zoning By-law provides the detailed standards that help implement that vision.
With a draft now prepared, the city is inviting residents, property owners, and businesses to review the proposed updates and provide feedback before the by-law is finalized.
“We want to hear from residents at this stage, while the by-law is still in draft form,” Blackie said.
“This is an opportunity to review what’s been drafted, ask questions, and help ensure the final by-law reflects community priorities.”
Join us at the open house
Residents are invited to attend a public open house to learn more and speak with staff in a come-and-go format:
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Gaynor Family Regional Library (806 Manitoba Avenue)
Feedback gathered at this stage will help inform final refinements before the Zoning By-law moves forward to the formal adoption process.
The city encourages all interested community members to attend, review the draft, and take part in shaping how Selkirk continues to grow.
More information is available at MySelkirk.ca/ZoningUpdate.