May 1st marked the beginning of a new era for the City of Selkirk when it started providing planning services in-house to the community at large as well as building and land developers.
Taking the reins of its own planning services will streamline the process and provide a one-stop-shop for everyone, whether you’re looking to build a deck or an entire development.
“We’re excited to offer planning services to our citizens and to those who want to do business in the City of Selkirk,” said Mayor Larry Johannson.
“Bringing planning under the same roof as all our other services will make it easier for people; everything will be in one location so it will be a more streamlined process, less confusing and ultimately people will be able to get what they need faster. It’s good for the city and it’s good for our citizens.”
Striving to provide exceptional service, making things easier for our citizens and the business community
The move to handle planning services is simply the next step in the evolution of a city that has progressed in a strategic fashion and will benefit from taking control of planning and land development.
“In the City of Selkirk, we strive to provide exceptional service and to make things easier for our citizens and the business community,” said Chief Administrative Officer Duane Nicol.
“Providing in-house planning services will result in an improvement in the delivery and quality of services and give the city control over its own planning and building inspections. It aligns with our Strategic Plan and will allow Selkirk to find more effective regional development approaches, encourage responsible land use and take firmer control of our economic destiny.”
Permit applications available on city website
Applications for a wide variety of permits are available on the city’s website in a user-friendly format.
“As with any new service, we know there will be a learning curve and we will adapt as we move forward. We will seek input from our citizens and our development customers and will continually work to improve our service,” said Tim Feduniw, Director of Sustainable Economic Development.
“Our Citizen Support Representatives (CSRs) and our planning team are working with the public to help guide them through the process and make sure it’s as positive as possible.”
Superior customer service, cost-savings to taxpayers
Besides superior customer service, the move to handling planning services will result in a cost savings to taxpayers. A feasibility study on the benefits of bringing planning in-house showed a savings to the city of $60,000 in the first full year alone.
“Selkirk has the organizational and administrative capacity to take on what’s required to deliver these services,” Nicol said.
“We are committed to responsible and sustainable community development. We demonstrate that commitment with our provincial and national leadership in the areas of asset management and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Social, economic and environmental sustainability is at the core of our Community Strategic Plan. Bringing these services in-house will help us achieve our community vision.”
The city’s planning department deals with all planning matters including development plans, secondary plans, residential and commercial permits, inspections, zoning, conditional uses and variances. Application for subdivisions of land within Selkirk can be made to the Province of Manitoba at the Community Planning Office.
More information on the city’s new planning services visit: www.myselkirk.ca/planninganddevelopment.
