Klein promises new guidelines for infill builds, Gillingham gets union’s endorsement

Kevin Klein, a mayoral candidate for Winnipeg, has pledged to abolish "blanket" zoning rules and seek additional public input on housing projects. If elected, Klein will gather more community feedback to minimize the negative consequences of some infill builds. For instance, he cited the case of Glenwood, where lot splits resulted in two neighbours turning into eight and sidewalks covered in mud.

Last year, city council implemented sweeping zoning bylaw changes that enabled up to four housing units per lot and fourplexes up to 12 metres tall near high-frequency transit stops. These reforms were intended to expedite home construction and secure over $450 million in federal funding for Winnipeg's housing, sewage, and transit initiatives.

However, Mayor Scott Gillingham expressed concerns over the changes, stating they would help the city claim eligible funding. Klein has since proposed to eliminate some construction projects from being classified as "permitted," such as building up to four housing units on a mature street. Instead, he aims to require public hearings for significant density increases in mature areas.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500, the largest union in the city, has endorsed Gillingham's re-election bid, praising his work and service. Union president Patrick Troughton highlighted Gillingham's appointments of community safety officers and extended evening hours at suburban library branches as evidence of his commitment to city services and workers.

The union also claimed that candidates Klein and Mike Vogiatzakis are promising to reduce public services, particularly water and sewer rates, which would decrease city revenue. However, both candidates have denied these allegations, asserting that they intend to increase services in the city instead.