At its regular Council meeting, Council for the Rural Municipality of St. Clements passed a resolution to formally withdraw from the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region / Capital Planning Region (WMR/CPR).

Under The Planning Act (Manitoba), membership in the Capital Planning Region is voluntary. Council’s decision reflects legislative timing considerations related to the provincial transition period currently in place.

Municipalities have until October 28, 2026 to withdraw under the Province’s transitional framework. Following that date, withdrawal opportunities become limited to future statutory review periods established under provincial legislation.

Council determined that initiating withdrawal at this time preserves planning flexibility for the next term of Council while the regional plan remains under development.

This decision does not affect municipal services, local planning processes, or ongoing development within the RM of St. Clements. The Municipality will continue to plan under its Development Plan and Provincial Land Use Policies.

The RM of St. Clements remains committed to working collaboratively with neighbouring municipalities on shared regional priorities including infrastructure, transportation, land use planning, and economic development.

The resolution has been forwarded to the Province of Manitoba for consideration. The Municipality will remain a member of the Capital Planning Region until provincial regulation formally enacts the withdrawal.

Signed copies of Council’s resolution and correspondence submitted to the Province are provided below for public information.

FAQ

Capital Planning Region Withdrawal – Questions & Answers

Why is the RM of St. Clements withdrawing from the Capital Planning Region?

Council determined that, given the October 28, 2026 provincial deadline and the fact that a final regional plan has not yet been adopted, it was prudent to act now to preserve flexibility for the next Council.

Does this mean Council opposes regional cooperation?

No. The RM of St. Clements remains committed to voluntary collaboration with neighbouring municipalities on regional initiatives and shared priorities.

What is the timing of the future statutory review periods established under provincial legislation regional plan?

Following the 2026 election, municipalities that remain CPR members will be able to consider withdrawal again once the regional plan review is initiated. A regional plan review is initiated at the 8-year mark following the adoption of a regional plan. At this time, member municipalities will have 180 days to consider withdrawal once the CPR has provided written notice that the regional plan review period has been initiated. To withdraw from the CPR at this time, council must hold a public hearing on the proposed withdrawal. The Minister may, by regulation, change the membership of the CPR to give effect to a resolution received. Should the council not submit a resolution during this 180-day window, the municipality will remain a member until the following regional plan review period is initiated. 

Will this decision affect local development or planning approvals?

No. Planning and development will continue to be administered by the RM of St. Clements under its existing Development Plan and applicable provincial policies.

Does this decision create conflict with neighbouring municipalities?

No. The Municipality will continue maintaining cooperative working relationships with regional partners.

Are there financial impacts?

Annual regional contributions will cease once provincial regulation formally removes the RM of St. Clements from membership. Council’s decision was based primarily on governance and legislative timing considerations.

What happens next?

Council’s resolution has been submitted to the Province of Manitoba. The Province must enact a regulation to formally remove the RM of St. Clements from membership. Until that occurs, the Municipality remains a member of the Capital Planning Region.

Could this decision have waited?

After October 28, 2026, withdrawal would only be available during the statutory review window. Council determined it was prudent to act before that deadline to preserve flexibility. As the regional plan review is initiated at the 8-year mark following the adoption of a regional plan.

 Could the RM of St. Clements rejoin in the future?

Yes. Provincial legislation allows municipalities who have withdrawn and wish to rejoin the CPR, they may do so at any time. However, they must hold a public hearing, pass a council resolution indicating their wish to join the CPR, and submit this request to the Minister. The Minister may, by regulation, change the membership of the CPR to give effect to a resolution received.