More housing, transit safety officers noted in Gillingham

Mayor Scott Gillingham called for a housing boom in his second State of the Union address.

He announced that he wants to approve 8,000 new housing units by November 30 to combat the housing crisis.

“What we need to focus on is delivery, momentum, results,” he said.

The city typically greenlights about 5,000 units each year, but the mayor wants all involved departments to speed up the process depending on the events.

“If a traffic study is really necessary, let's do a traffic study. If it's necessary or not; let's think twice about it, because there are some facilities being built right now with reduced parking minimums.”

Industry approvals and permits slow down because they have to go through too many hands at city hall.

“He called each section a housing section. This is music to the ears of our industry,” said Lanny McInnes, president and CEO of the Manitoba Home Builders Association.

Prime Minister Wab Kinew spoke. He said he supports the move, hoping it will help fight homelessness and lower rents.

In addition, Kinew suggested that the province consider amending legislation that would transfer decision-making authority over the changes from local governments to municipal boards.

“You have to clear a certain threshold before you go there. I think we can consider something like that,” Kineu said.

“There was one major project we approved as a council that I still think is a great project. I was rejected by the municipal board. It's hundreds and hundreds of units that aren't being built,” Gillingham said.

In his speech, the mayor also touched on the issue of security in the city center and announced that 21 transit security officers will be on board in 10 days.

The plan is to ensure that they focus on five problem areas.

“We need to make sure people get to work and get home safe,” said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President Lauren Remillard. “(I'm) so excited. Ten days, can't wait.”

The mayor stressed that a complaint filed last month by the Winnipeg Police Association will not prevent the city from moving forward.