In 2022, Selkirk made the bold move to leave the Red River Planning District (RRPD) and bring planning and building permitting in-house. Our planning division is delivering on the enhanced quality and speed of service that was envisioned. As a requirement of the Manitoba Planning Act, Selkirk’s new planning division has been working on an update to the City’s Development Plan, now that it has left the RRPD.
The Development Plan is a Provincially required document and must align with provincial land use policies. It is a high-level, somewhat technical, policy document which outlines general intentions and standards for land use in a municipality. Development Plans are largely shaped by provincial land-use policies and other provincial legislation and standards for things like highways, drainage, protection of at-risk species, and many other considerations.
Updating the Development Plan
Previously, land use in the City of Selkirk, was governed under the Red River Planning District’s Development Plan. Now that the city has left, it must adopt its own plan.
This process allows the city to update the plan and ensure its aligned with our own needs and is updated to comply with current legislation.
As we finalize the Development Plan, it is important that we hear from all members of our community about their thoughts on the Plan. We have started the Development Plan Adoption process, and we want to share the key updates to the Plan.
How We’ve Heard from the Community So Far
During Phase 2: Aligning with Community Priorities, the city offered several opportunities for citizens to learn about the Development Plan Update and share their input.
Public Open House – 2024
In November 2024, the City hosted two Public Open Houses at the Garry Theater on the Development Plan update. Thank you to everyone who attended. For anyone who was unable to attend, presentation materials can be viewed here.
Community Survey
A survey was launched on November 7, 2024 asking residents on what matters most in their neighbourhoods. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey, either online or in paper form. The survey closed on December 3, 2024.
Survey results are available to the public and can be found on the city’s CitizenVoice page, where all available surveys and history are listed.
Public Open House – 2026
On April 15, 2026, the City hosted a Public Open House at Selkirk Memorial Hall on the Development Plan Update. The open house shared key policy updates to the Development Plan and how community feedback influenced the updated Plan.
Thank you to everyone who attended. For anyone who was unable to attend, presentation materials can be viewed here.
Development Plan By-law
As required by provincial legislation, the City of Selkirk must adopt the Development Plan as a by-law. City Council gave First Reading of the Development Plan By-law on March 23, 2026. To view the proposed Development Plan, click here.
First Reading began the formal adoption process, which included a public hearing held on April 27, 2026. Public hearings are formal proceedings and do not offer citizens with a good opportunity to ask questions or have a discussion with planning professionals. This is why the city included the added step of hosting an open house which allowed citizens to ask questions and get more detailed information.
On April 27, 2026, City Council gave Second Reading of the Development Plan By-law.
Before the Development Plan can proceed to Third Reading and be adopted as a by-law, it must be approved by the Province of Manitoba. The Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations reviews the Plan to ensure it meets provincial requirements. Once approval is received, City Council can proceed with final adoption of the Development Plan By-law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
What is a Development Plan?
A Development Plan is a provincially required document that all municipalities in Manitoba must review every five years. The plan sets out land use and development standards which must generally align with the Provincial Land Use Policies, guiding the growth and evolution of the City. Development Plans must be approved by the Province and are administered by local governments like the City of Selkirk.
Why does the City of Selkirk have a Development Plan?
Provincial legislation, the Planning Act, requires municipalities in Manitoba to adopt and maintain a development plan.
Why is the Development Plan being updated?
Under provincial legislation, the city must review and update its Development Plan. Beyond the requirement to review development plans, there are additional reasons for this review and update:
- Tailoring the existing development plan, which was created by the Red River Planning District and served a larger region, to Selkirk.
- Creating a better alignment with the city’s Community Strategic Plan to ensure we’re building a community that reflects our long-term priorities as shaped by our own citizens.
- Making sure our development policies meet current local and provincial rules and standards.
- Creating clear and consistent policies for managing development across the City.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE PROCESS
How Far Along is the Process?
The project officially kicked off in Spring 2024 when the City hired a planning consultant to lead the review and update.
In Fall 2024, the city provided several ways for residents to learn about the Development Plan Update and help ensure it aligns with community priorities. This included two open houses and a community survey.
The project is now moving into its final stages, with the adoption process underway. City Council gave First Reading of the Development Plan By-law on March 23, 2026 and Second Reading of the Development Plan By-law on April 27, 2026.
What are the timelines for the update?
The Development Plan Update began with the project launch in Spring 2024. In Fall 2024, the city asked for input from residents, community groups, service providers, business owners, and visitors to ensure the Plan reflects the community’s priorities. Since then, the plan has been drafted and will go through the adoption process in Spring/Summer 2026.
What happens next in the adoption process?
As required by provincial legislation, the City of Selkirk must adopt the Development Plan as a by-law. Council gave First Reading of the Development Plan By-law on March 23, 2026, which begins the formal adoption process.
As part of the adoption process, a public hearing was held on April 27, 2026. Anyone can attend public hearings and share their comments in person or through a written submission. Public hearings are formal proceedings and do not offer citizens with a good opportunity to ask questions or have a discussion with planning professionals. This is why the city included the added step of hosting an open house which allowed citizens to ask questions and get more detailed information.
After the hearing, Council will consider the comments received and decide whether any changes to the Plan are needed before proceeding. The Development Plan By-law is then sent to the Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, who determines whether it can be approved.
Who approves the Development Plan?
The Development Plan requires approval from the Minister of Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations to ensure it meets provincial standards and regulations. Once approved, City Council will pass a by-law, formally adopting the Plan.
What happens once the Development Plan is adopted as a by-law?
Once the Development Plan is adopted as a by-law, land use and development decisions will need to be generally consistent with the plan’s policies.
CITIZEN INPUT
How were citizens involved?
The city offered several opportunities for citizens to learn about the Development Plan Update and share their input. This included two Public Open Houses at the Garry Theater in November 2024, a community survey, and a Public Open House at Selkirk Memorial Hall in April 2026. We greatly appreciate everyone who participated in this process.
What is the difference between the Public Open House and the Public Hearing?
The public open house took place before the formal public hearing and provided people with an opportunity to learn about the proposed Development Plan, ask questions, or have a discussion with planning professionals.
A public hearing is part of the formal by-law adoption process. At the hearing, individuals can present their comments or concerns to Council. Unlike the open house, public hearings do not involve discussion or back-and-forth dialogue.
How was citizen input considered?
Public participation played a central role in shaping the plan updates. In November 2024, the city launched a public survey and hosted two open houses, drawing strong community interest.
A total of 265 people attended the open houses, including representatives from 15 stakeholder groups. The survey received 278 completed responses and more than 2,300 views. View how citizen feedback was integrated into the Plan here.
PROPOSED UPDATES
What changes are proposed in the updated Development Plan?
While the Plan has been updated in its format and presentation, its overall intent and direction remain largely the same.
Updates have been made to:
- Better tailor the Plan specifically to Selkirk
- Align it with the City’s Community Strategic Plan and other Council-approved strategies as informed by citizen engagement
- Ensure policies reflect current local and provincial legislation and planning practices
What are the key proposed updates?
A new Regional Commercial area is proposed on the west side of PTH No. 9 to provide additional opportunities for new retail, restaurants, and service-oriented businesses.
A new designation will recognize the existing development and mix of uses along the Main Street south corridor to help guide consistent future development. It will also help guide similar development in the West End, as envisioned under the West End Concept Plan By-law.
Removing all references to the Red River Planning District and policies that no longer apply.
Refining policies to align the Plan more closely with the City’s Community Strategic Plan and Council‑approved strategies as informed by citizen engagement.
View what’s being proposed here.
Will the updated Development Plan affect my property?
For most properties, the updated Development Plan will not change how the land is designated.
However, in a small number of cases, changes to the land use designation were proposed. Property owners affected by these proposed redesignations have been contacted directly by the City and informed about the change.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions, you can find the answers by reaching out to our CitizenSupport Representatives via email at citizensupport@cityofselkirk.com or via phone at 204-785-4900.