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Middlechurch Sustainable Community Secondary Plan

Two people walking with their dog

The Rural Municipality of West St. Paul, Manitoba, a community north just of Winnipeg, developed a 20-year plan for growth and development in the fast-growing suburb of Middlechurch. The secondary plan was developed as a complement to the district's broader plan.

The plan's "complete community" strategy spells out liveable community objectives, as well as neighbourhood planning and commercial land-use policies. It includes policies on transportation and community facilities, and details how municipal infrastructure will be extended as Middlechurch grows. 

The plan will ensure that development remains sustainable for Middlechurch. It will be a more compact, mixed-use community that preserves its green spaces and protects the environment.

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • The plan proposes a "Greenway Network" connecting community neighbourhoods
  • Proposals for protecting rivers and streams, such as establishing a green-space buffer around waterways

  • A vision of a more diverse and self-sufficient community, combining residential neighbourhoods with retail and business areas.
  • The Plan's "Complete community strategy" spells out liveable community objectives
  • The plan's proposals  reflected community input on improving residents' quality of life

Challenges

  • Managing the rapid growth of a community whose existing resources are approaching capacity
  • Responding to an increasing demand for property in the face of infrastructure limitations
  • Maintaining the community's quality of life for future generations

Lessons learned

  • Get community buy-in from the start.
  • The best ideas and vision come from local residents.
  • Dealing with multiple provincial departments delays the plan.

Partners and collaborators

Project contact

Jennifer Ferguson
Community Planner
Selkirk & District Planning Area Board
Selkirk, MB
T. 204-482-3717

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