Winnipeg council eliminates need for traffic studies in development applications [Video]

The City of Winnipeg is taking a step to get condos and apartment projects going faster.

Following a motion from Mayor Scott Gillingham, council voted to eliminate the need for a traffic study during the development application process.

Home builders say this cuts down on delays and costs, but some resident groups worry this could impact traffic and on-street parking.

“The goal is to get our development application in the pipeline soon, so we can get housing built faster,” said Gillingham.

The change would apply to all projects with 20 units or more and would apply to all applications in progress.

Gillingham pushed for the change as the city combats the housing crisis.

“We need housing development in the City of Winnipeg. We need it built as soon as possible. Our city is growing rapidly.”

The Manitoba Homebuilders Association welcomes the move, saying in many cases, previous studies had already …