St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes is sounding the alarm about significant changes being proposed at Winnipeg City Hall. “I feel like I’m ringing a big bell saying look at what’s happening,” said Mayes, who has been vocal about what he sees as a significant shift in Winnipeg’s approach to residential infill.
Watch Inside Winnipeg City Hall to hear the full story from Councillor Mayes, click here.
The issue centers on proposed changes backed by Mayor Scott Gillingham and city planners to allow four-unit residential buildings (fourplexes) on any residential lot in the city “where appropriate.” While this may sound like a push for more housing, Mayes warns of potential unintended consequences.
If approved, your neighbour could sell their two-story home, and a few months later, there’s a 48-foot-high fourplex next door, with eight cars parked on the street taking up all the parking under Gillingham’s proposed changes.
Mayes is taking action by organizing public town hall meetings to raise awareness and hear residents’ concerns. His first meeting drew participants from across Winnipeg, many eager to learn more and ask questions about the proposed changes. His next town hall will be held on November 25 at the Worthington campus of the Norberry–Glenlee Community Centre, located at 176 Worthington Ave.
“I am trying to keep residents advised of this coming vote and to have them engage in discussion about it,” said Mayes. He clarified that while the vote on the fourplex plan isn’t scheduled until March 2025, a related hearing later this month will address the “malls and corridors” aspect of the Housing Accelerator Fund process, which is a separate but connected issue.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the matter, the Winnipeg Sun News Podcast features an interview with Councillor Brian Mayes, where he discusses his concerns, the upcoming vote, and what it could mean for neighbourhoods across the city.
Listen as the Winnipeg Sun takes you Inside City Hall for the full interview to stay informed and get involved in the conversation about Winnipeg’s future.
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