MINISTER
OF MUNICIPAL RELATIONS

Room 3  7
Legislative Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba 
REC (IVS

APR 18 2019

His Worship Brian Bowman
Mayor

City of Winnipeg

510 Main Street

Winnipeg MB R38 189

Dear Mayor Bowman:

We can?t be the Most Improved Province without Winnipeg being our Most
Improved City. As a province, we have worked hard to return our expenditures to
sustainable levels. As there is just one set of tax payers, it is incumbent on us to
collaborate to address performance and outcomes for the public good.

Investments in construction and land development are key drivers of Manitoba?s
economy and delays in the permitting and inspection processes are stifling economic
growth. In particular, industry stakeholders have voiced concerns over the efficiency,
timeliness and accountability of building permitting, inspections and approvals. These
concerns are not limited to the City of Winnipeg processes and staff accountability, but
have also been raised in relation to the timeframes involved in obtaining approvals from
other authorities such as rural municipalities, planning districts, Manitoba Hydro and the
Office of the Fire Commissioner.

We will be undertaking an independent review of how construction and
development is approved, permitted and inspected in our province. Examining the City
of Winnipeg?s Planning, Property and Development Department?s processes will be one
of the first steps in this review, as the recent developments have highlighted significant
concerns by stakeholders. I know that we both place a high priority on enabling
economic growth, and the need to promote integrity in public service. I believe this
exercise will not only result in improved, timely service, promoting economic
development across the province, but will also result in significant efficiencies and value
for taxpayers.

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Our experience over the past three years in bending the cost curve has gained
us valuable lessons from experts, public servants and Manitobans. An independent
Fiscal Performance Review has guided much of our efforts to enhance efficiency and
effectiveness and deliver results to Manitobans. In the course of our work, we have
addressed many challenges and developed a number of innovative solutions as we
repair our public services. These experiences may prove valuable to the City, and I
would be pleased to facilitate presentations and discussion on lessons learned.

Our offer to the City of Winnipeg is as follows:

1. Make available to the City all of the expert advice we have received during
our search for savings across the summary provincial government.

2. Work in partnership with the City to conduct a broader fiscal performance
review of their operations to identify cost saving measures.

Winnipeggers and Manitobans have an expectation that their governments will
work together to get the job done. I welcome discussion and partnership to move
fonNard in the interest of tax payers and sustainability. have asked my Deputy Minister
to follow up with your Chief Administrative Officer to discuss next steps.

Sincerely

#52


Honourable Jeff Wharton
Minister

c. Honourable Blaine Pedersen, Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade
Honourable Colleen Mayer, Minister of Crown Services
All City Councillors