Selkirk’s Zoning By-Law Update
In 2022, the City of Selkirk made the bold move to leave the Red River Planning District (RRPD) and bring planning and building permitting in-house. As a result of this transition, and in accordance with Manitoba’s Planning Act, the city is updating its Zoning By-law.
A Zoning By-law is one of the main tools used to guide how land is used and developed in the city. It divides land into different Zoning Districts, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and parks, and sets standards for what can be built and where. These standards help ensure that development happens in a way that is organized and aligned with the community’s long-term planning framework.
The current Zoning By-law was adopted in 2001. While it has been periodically updated to reflect changing community needs, it has not undergone a full review and update since its original adoption. Since then, the city has changed, grown, and advanced several key plans and documents that now guide future development, including:
- The Path to a Brighter Future, the City’s Community Strategic Plan (adopted in 2014)
- West End Concept Plan By-law (adopted in 2021)
- City of Selkirk Development Plan By-law (anticipated to be adopted in Summer 2026 )
- Downtown Selkirk Policy
The current Zoning By-law was written to align with the former Red River Planning District Development Plan, as required by the Planning Act when Selkirk was a member of the district. The updated zoning by-law will instead reflect the community of Selkirk’s values and priorities.
By aligning the Zoning By-law with the community’s long-term planning framework, the update will help ensure the by-law reflects community priorities, supports clear and consistent decision-making, and is easier to understand and use.
Updating the Zoning By-law
The City of Selkirk is updating its Zoning By-law to ensure it aligns with the city’s newly updated Development Plan (anticipated for adoption in Summer 2026) as well as other key community plans.
Under Manitoba’s Planning Act, a Zoning By-law must be generally consistent with a municipality’s Development Plan. Because the Development Plan sets the overall direction for how the city will grow and develop, the Zoning By-law must be updated to reflect that direction in more detailed land use standards.
The project began with a review of the current Zoning By-law, supported by background research, technical analysis, and stakeholder input. This work focused on understanding what is working well and where improvements could be made. The review found that the By-law serves the community well, with opportunities for targeted updates to improve clarity, modernize standards, and better align with the community’s current plans and priorities.
Following Focus Groups with stakeholders and a Public Open House, the first draft of the Zoning By-law is now complete.
What are the proposed Improvements to the Zoning By-law?
All new construction and development within the City of Selkirk will reflect the standards outlined in the updated Zoning By-law, once it is in effect. There are no impacts to existing buildings that were built legally.
The city is not rezoning any properties. While some zones have changed names or been consolidated with similar zones, the intent of all zones are generally staying the same.
The draft Zoning By-law proposes updates that will help implement the Downtown Strategy. This includes the addition of design standards for new buildings downtown that help create an active streetscape while preserving the character of Selkirk’s downtown.
Updated parking standards are proposed to align with the Development Plan. Different parking requirements are proposed for the downtown area, along Main Street between Heap Street and Queen Avenue, and within the future West End development area, reflecting their urban context and proximity to transit, active transportation networks, and residential areas.
Landscaping and design standards are proposed in the Zoning By-law to support the beautification of our streets and to help mitigate local heat-island effects and enhance stormwater absorption. Design standards have been added to create landscaping buffers and screening with fencing, trees, and shrubs between two different land uses, to help minimize impacts related to privacy and lighting.
How is the community helping shape the updated Zoning By-law?
Early in the project, we met with developers and builders who work in and around Selkirk to better understand how the current Zoning By-law has supported development and aligned with community priorities.
Next, we engaged the broader community through a Public Open House, where residents, property owners, businesses, and other community members learned about the draft Zoning By-law and shared their thoughts on the proposed improvements.
This feedback helped the city understand how the draft is being received, identify any areas that may need further refinement, and ensure the updated Zoning By-law reflects community priorities before it is finalized.
The Public Open House was held on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm (come-and-go format) at Gaynor Family Regional Library (806 Manitoba Avenue).
To view the presentation boards, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ABOUT THE ZONING BY-LAW
What is a Zoning By-law?
A Zoning By-law is a regulatory document, required by the Province, that establishes standards for how land can be used and developed in the city.
The Zoning By-law assigns land within the city into different Zoning Districts (or zones). Each zone sets out where development can occur and what types of uses are allowed, such as homes, businesses, industries, and parks. The By-law also establishes standards for things such as building height and lot size.
Why does the City of Selkirk have a Zoning By-law?
All municipalities are required by Provincial legislation, The Planning Act, to adopt and maintain a Zoning By-law. Selkirk’s in-force Zoning By-law has been in place since 2001.
How is a Zoning By-law different from a Development Plan?
A Zoning By-law sets out specific rules for how properties are used and what can be built today, whereas a Development Plan guides future growth.
A Development Plan describes, using words and maps, how and where the community wants land to be developed in the future, as well as measures for implementing the plan.
A Zoning By-law establishes specific standards for current development and land use. A Zoning By-law, and any rezoning applications, must conform to the in-force Development Plan.
Where can I learn more about Selkirk’s current Zoning By-law?
To see the current Zoning By-law and map, click here.
Why is the Zoning By-law being updated?
The City of Selkirk is required under provincial legislation to review and update its Zoning By-law periodically. Beyond the requirement to review the by-law, there are additional reasons for this review and update:
- Tailoring the Zoning By-law to align with the forthcoming Development Plan (anticipated to be adopted in Summer 2026).
- Creating better alignment with the city’s Community Strategic Plan to ensure we are building a community that reflects our long-term priorities as shaped by our own citizens.
- Making sure our Zoning By-law keeps up with new development trends and addresses emerging concerns within the city.
- Creating a document that is easy to understand for all users.
ZONING BY-LAW UPDATE PROCESS
How far along is the process?
In January 2026 the city officially kicked off the process to review and update the Zoning By-law and hired a planning consultant to lead the process.
In February 2026, the project team conducted a series of Focus Groups with developers and builders to learn about their experience and challenges with the current Zoning By-law.
In June, the city held a Public Open House to understand how the draft is being received, identify any areas that may need further refinement, and ensure the updated Zoning By-law reflects community priorities.
In July, the first draft of the Zoning By-law was finalized, incorporating feedback from the Public Open House. It was then given First Reading by Council and circulated to the Province for their review.
What are the timelines for the update?
The intention is that the updated Zoning By-law will be ready for consideration by Council by September 2026.
The complete project timeline is included below.
What are the next steps in the planning process?
Following First Reading and Provincial review, a public hearing will be held in September 2026. Anyone can attend public hearings and share their comments in person or through a written submission.
After the Public Hearing, Council will consider the comments received and decide whether any changes to the Zoning By-law are needed before proceeding. Council can then give Second and Third Readings and adopt the By-law.
Who approves the Zoning By-law?
After being reviewed by the Province, the Zoning By-law is adopted by Council.
CITIZEN INPUT
How can I learn more and get involved?
A Public Open House was held on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm (come-and-go format) at Gaynor Family Regional Library (806 Manitoba Avenue). To view the presentation boards, click here.
The next chance to get involved will be at the Public Hearing, which will be in September 2026.
How is the community helping shape the updated Zoning By-law?
Early in the project, we met with developers and builders who work in and around Selkirk to better understand how the current Zoning By-law has supported development and aligned with community priorities.
We also engaged the broader community through a Public Open House, where residents, property owners, businesses, and other community members learned about the draft Zoning By-law and shared their thoughts on the proposed improvements. This feedback helped the city understand how the draft is being received, identify any areas that may need further refinement, and ensure the updated Zoning By-law reflects community priorities before it was finalized.
What is the difference between the Public Open House and the Public Hearing?
The Public Open House was held before the formal public hearing to provide community members with an informal opportunity to learn about the draft Zoning By-law, ask questions, and have conversations 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.
PROPOSED UPDATES
How will the new Zoning By-law affect me?
The city is not rezoning any properties. While some zones have changed names or been consolidated with similar zones, the intent of your zoning is staying the same.
For any existing building that was built legally, there will be no immediate impact as a result of the updated Zoning By-law. Any new construction, including new buildings, additions, garages, and sheds, or situations where the nature of intensity of a use changes, will have to follow the new standards once they are in effect.
If an existing building or use is changed, and it cannot meet the requirements of the new Zoning By-law, there are still options available. In some cases, you may be able to apply for planning approval, such as a variance, which allows Council to consider whether a specific relaxation of the standards is appropriate for your situation. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How does a Zoning By-law shape my community?
The Zoning By-law is a set of standards that all new building and development projects have to follow. The Zoning By-law is a set of standards about:
- What types of development (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) is allowed in different zoning districts
- How close new buildings can be to the property line
- How tall new buildings can be
- The density of new residential buildings
- How much parking is required for a new development.
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 by phone at 204-785-4900.