Winnipeg River Development Plan
By-Law 83/25 Opposition
The Winnipeg River Development Plan (By-Law 83/25) is a legislated planning document prepared under Manitoba’s Planning Act, which requires municipalities to update development plans approximately every five years to guide land use, growth and environmental considerations. In the RM of Alexander, this process is managed by the Winnipeg River Planning District Board.
Why This Matters
Historically, development along the Bird River had been restricted by a long-standing moratorium, rooted in multiple studies dating back to 1977 and reaffirmed in 2007–2008, which concluded that the river had exceeded its recreational and ecological carrying capacity and should not support additional development. This position was formally reflected in the last Development Plan, created in 2011.
The updated 2026 plan removed the moratorium and has a framework that permits development under defined conditions, including a minimum lot size requirement within 1 kilometre of the Bird River. The Winnipeg River Development Plan (By-Law 83/25) introduced changes to how land along the Bird River can be used. The removal of the long-standing development moratorium marked a shift in policy with implications for the environment, water safety, infrastructure, and the overall character of the area.
Development Plan History on Bird River
1977
A Bird River Sector Plan Study completed by Westland Planning Consultants concluded that cottage density had exceeded recreational carrying capacity and warned that further development would lead to deterioration.
Our Position on By-law 83/25
In its formal submission, BRCOA identified the following key concerns with By-law 83/25:
Omitted Historical Evidence: The by-law reverses decades of evidence-based planning by lifting the Bird River development moratorium, despite consistent findings that the river had already exceeded its carrying capacity.
Overlooked Bird Rivers Unique Characteristics: The Bird River’s unique characteristics as a narrow, shallow and heavily used waterway were not adequately considered in the development plan; the area is unsuitable for additional development and increased traffic.
Used Flawed Rational: The rationale used to support the plan change was flawed, particularly the suggestion that increased boat traffic under the moratorium justified further development, rather than reinforcing the need for continued limits. Further, the development plan contained internal contradictions, recognizing the importance of protecting natural areas while simultaneously proposing actions that would weaken those protections.
Provided an Unsustainable Solution for Boat Traffic: The VORR was positioned as a solution to waterway overcrowding that would offset the harm of lifting the moratorium. Â Reliance on Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) to reduce boat traffic is insufficient; they are limited in scope, inconsistently enforced and do not address broader concerns such as congestion, shoreline impact or overall capacity. Â The only effective solution is a moratorium that prevents the permanent addition of more vessels.
Neglected Impact on Protected Species: Increased development will contribute to shoreline erosion, environmental degradation and pressure on sensitive species and habitats, with impacts extending beyond the Bird River itself.
Failed to Address Safety Risks: The by-law does not adequately address safety risks in a confined, mixed-use waterway where larger volumes of traffic increase the likelihood of collisions and unsafe conditions for swimmers and smaller watercraft.
Ignored Already Strained Infrastructure: Additional development will place further strain on existing infrastructure, including roads, bridges and emergency response capacity, creating costs and risks that outweigh potential benefits.
Lacked Transparency: Concerns were raised regarding the planning process, including limitations on public participation and potential non-compliance with established legislative requirements, undermining transparency and public trust.
Overall, BRCOA’s position is that the By-Law does not reflect the realities of the Bird River system and introduces avoidable environmental, safety and governance risks without sufficient justification.
Our Approach: Advocacy and Community Engagement
BRCOA, alongside its members, played an active role in representing the Bird River community throughout the Development Plan process.
The Association submitted formal correspondence to provincial decision-makers and requested direct engagement. We initiated Freedom of Information requests and participated in the public hearing process. We also ensured attendance at key municipal meetings to ensure community voices were heard.
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Community mobilization included a coordinated letter-writing campaign which resulted in over 500 letters sent to government decision-makers. Additionally, BRCOA launched an online petition, which received 1,606 signatures. Members were provided with tools, templates and updates to support informed participation throughout the process.
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We coordinated community input and filed complaints with the Manitoba Ombudsman regarding the public consultation process of the Plan.
As of May 2026, that investigation and the FIPPA request process is still ongoing.
Our Impact
The Development Plan was approved and brought into force in February 2026.
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As part of the final approval, the Minister required a specific amendment to strengthen protections related to Bird River development: that new development within 1 kilometre of the Bird River must be a minimum of 20 acres in size and that this minimum area requirement is not subject to variance.
‘Not subject to variance’ means this minimum lot size cannot be reduced or waived through a variance application. In other words, smaller lots cannot be approved - the 20-acre requirement is firm.
This represents a defined limitation on development density and reflects concerns raised by the community.
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Looking Ahead
With the Development Plan now in effect, BRCOA continues to focus on monitoring, engagement and accountability. This includes reviewing development proposals, engaging with municipal and provincial officials, supporting ongoing Ombudsman and FIPPA processes, seeking clarity on policy interpretation and keeping members informed.
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The Bird River remains a unique and valued environment for both seasonal and permanent residents. Future outcomes will depend on how development policies are applied and monitored over time. Continued engagement will play an important role in shaping future Development Plan updates and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Bird River.
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