New Development plan process underway learn more on April 15 at Memorial Hall
Following its withdrawal from the Red River Planning District and the Capital Planning Region, the City of Selkirk is updating its Development Plan. In a recent release by the City, they say that this change will ensure future growth decisions are guided by local priorities and community input.
Development plans must be generally consistent with provincial land use policies while establishing a long‑term framework for sustainable development and are updated every 5 years.
“This update is about taking back local decision‑making and making sure Selkirk’s future is shaped by the people who live here,” said Mayor Larry Johannson in the release.
“Leaving the Red River Planning District and the Capital Planning Region means decisions about growth and development will be made here at the local level, with Selkirk residents and their priorities at the centre.”
The three key objectives of this update will be:
Tailoring the document specifically to Selkirk by removing references to the RRPD and policies that no longer apply;
Aligning the Plan more closely with the City’s Community Strategic Plan and Council‑approved strategies as informed by citizen engagement;
Updating policies to meet current local and provincial legislative requirements
In November 2024, the city launched a public survey and hosted two open houses in order to gain public participation in the plan update. A total of 265 people attended the open houses, including representatives from 15 stakeholder groups. The survey received 278 completed responses and more than 2,300 views.
The update reflects what the city heard from residents throughout the engagement process,” said Erika Blackie, the city’s Urban Planner.
“We heard clearly that people want growth that respects existing neighbourhoods, supports local services, and reflects Selkirk’s character. Public feedback is directly informing the proposed updates, and the Development Plan reflects the priorities and concerns raised by the community during engagement.”
A point reflected in the feedback that the city plans to address is the public’s desire for more retail and restaurant choices.
“While the city does not determine which businesses open up in Selkirk, nor do we control private business investments, but we can take steps to ensure that there are lands available for that kind of investment into Selkirk. We are eager to welcome new restaurants and stores and that means we have to have spaces for businesses to go,” said Duane Nicol, Selkirk’s CAO.
The update will also revise some land use designations across the city.
“The proposed changes do not affect how properties are currently developed or how residents use their land,” Blackie said.
“These designations are long‑range planning tools meant to guide future development, not impose new rules on existing properties.”
Should land use designation changes raise questions, the public is invited to a come-and-go open house at Memorial Hall, located at 376 Jemima Street, on April 15 between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
This open house has been scheduled in advance of a formal Public Hearing and is intended to provide an opportunity for two‑way dialogue, as the Public Hearing is a formal process that doesn’t allow for discussion.
The City of Selkirk is encouraging citizens to attend the open house, review the proposed Development Plan update, and take part in shaping Selkirk’s future.
More information is available at MySelkirk.ca/DevelopmentPlanUpdate.
