City of Winnipeg unveils improved online permit system

To make the permitting process more user-friendly, the City of Winnipeg has introduced new features to its online permitting platform. The improvements, which make up the first phase of planned improvements, allow homeowners and contractors to apply for most residential building permits, including new home construction, home additions, renovations, solar installations and demolition.

Mayor Scott Gillingham praised the improvements, saying they not only streamline the permitting process and improve customer service, but are also in line with the city's goal of faster housing approvals. Sherry Rollins, chair of the Property and Development Sustainability Policy Committee, echoed the mayor's sentiment, saying the Council knows there is more to do with permits and will continue to make improvements.

One important improvement is the ability for customers to save and return partially completed permit applications within a 30-day period. This feature allows customers to save access information and work through the process at their own pace. Clients can now view a record of submitted documents.

Hazel Borys, Director of Planning, Property and Development, said: “These initial improvements will help improve our customers' ability to apply for certain permits online. This is one of a series of planned enhancements to modernize the online permitting platform and create a truly comprehensive one-stop shop to help streamline the permitting process.”

The enhanced Permits Online platform allows customers to view the status of permits and applications and make payments. Licensed contractors can even renew their licenses using the online platform.

The online permit enhancements are part of a larger, ongoing process to digitize building permit applications and expand online applications such as online appointments and self-service options to accelerate the pace of development in Winnipeg.

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