Winnipeg City Councillor Brian Mayes has raised concerns about the handling of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) agreement between the city and the federal government. In an email sent to Mayor Scott Gillingham, Mayes questioned whether key deadlines related to local area plans under the agreement are being met and whether sufficient information has been provided to the Council.
The HAF agreement includes a requirement under Initiative 2, Milestone 3, for the Council to make decisions on “accelerated amendments” to local area plans, with a start date of Jan. 2, 2025. Mayes stated that the Council has not received a detailed list of the affected local area plans, although a draft list of 20 to 30 plans was briefly shown during council seminars on Dec. 9 and 10. He also said specifics of the “accelerated amendments” have not been shared and details of the “major amendments” outlined in the agreement remain unclear.
Mayes acknowledged that city staff have successfully negotiated amendments to the HAF agreement with the federal government. However, he noted that city staff have rejected proposed revisions and extensions from Councillors. He asked whether the federal government has granted an extension for local area plans or whether city staff have missed the Jan. 2 start date.
Additionally, Mayes raised concerns about differing interpretations of deadlines in the agreement. He referenced staff assertions made in December that the city must “legalize” by-laws relating to fourplex and four-storey developments by June 12, 2025. He contrasted this with the wording for local area plans, which require a “Council decision” by the same date. Mayes questioned whether staff are equating these terms or applying different standards.
As the June deadline approaches, Councillor Mayes is seeking clarity on the city’s compliance with the HAF agreement and greater transparency on the plans and amendments required under the agreement.
-Winnipeg Sun
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