The Manitoba government is moving forward with proposed legislative changes to create a special planning area (SPA) for CentrePort Canada—the country’s only Foreign Trade Zone and tri-modal inland port—to speed up development approvals, attract private investments and create jobs.

Premier Greg Selinger announced that legislation would streamline planning and development and create a special planning authority, including the City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Airports Authority, CentrePort Canada Inc. the Manitoba government and representatives from Rosser where the CentrePort land is located.

The team will offer recommendations on planning bylaws, subdivision applications and other development within the SPA.

Residents and local landowners will be part of the ongoing public review process, while the Rosser council will have continued input on local planning decisions.

Diane Gray, president and chief executive officer of CentrePort Canada Inc., said the proposed SPA would offer another important differentiator when it comes to selling the inland port to investors.

“This single-window approach will result in more timely approvals and give us a competitive edge in attracting new and early private investment decisions,” said Gray. “It will also provide business with improved cost and planning certainty, and provide the community with an accountable and transparent planning process.”