The Capital Planning Region Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 161/2022, has been amended by M.R. 12/2026 under the authority of The Planning Act, C.C.S.M. c. P80. The amendment introduces a series of changes to governance, decision-making processes, public engagement, and accessibility of regional planning documents, aiming to improve operations and improve accountability within the capital planning region.

Key modifications involve adjustments to the composition and roles of the regional planning board. Clause 2(b) and subsection 5(1) have been revised to reduce certain board requirements from four to two, and subsections 5(4) and (5) are repealed, simplifying administrative provisions. Section 6 has been replaced to formalize the designation of a chair and vice-chair from among the directors, with each serving a two-year term that continues until a successor is appointed unless the officeholder resigns, is removed, or dies.

The regulation also clarifies the board’s decision-making structure. Section 10 establishes that decisions of a majority of directors present at a meeting constitute board decisions, but section 10.1 introduces a higher threshold for critical matters such as regional planning by-laws or the annual budget. These decisions require at least a two-thirds majority of directors present, and approving directors must represent municipalities comprising at least 66.6% of the capital planning region’s population.

Subsection 12(3) provides a mechanism to address potential budgetary delays. If the board fails to submit its annual budget to the minister before the fiscal year begins, the minister may prepare, approve, or amend the budget after consultation with the board. The board is then required to adopt the minister-approved or amended budget, ensuring timely financial planning and oversight.

Public engagement and access to information are also emphasized. Section 17 requires that printed copies of all regional planning by-laws be made available to the public upon request at a reasonable cost, promoting transparency. Section 22 mandates that a public hearing must be held before or after first reading of a proposed regional planning by-law, allowing stakeholders to provide input. Related amendments to subsections 23(1), 24(b), 31(e) and (f), and 33(1)(c) clarify the handling of hearing minutes, submissions, and document availability, including access via the region’s website or designated locations, improving public access to planning information.

Additional revisions remove redundant or outdated provisions. Section 8 and paragraph 36(1)(a) are repealed, while sections 6, 10, 17, and 22 are replaced with updated language to reflect current governance practices. Transitional provisions ensure that directors and board officers appointed under the previous regulation remain in office for the remainder of their terms, maintaining operational continuity during the transition to the new regulatory framework.

Manitoba (12/2026) March 4, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.