NDP claims ‘political interference’ in green light of Brandon road project

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This article was published 11/10/2022 (1416 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A proposed driveway for a new, multi-use development off a major Manitoba highway received a green light from Transportation Minister Doyle Piwniuk, despite departmental warnings the access road will lead to more collisions.

On Tuesday, the minister was forced to defend his decision to override officials with the infrastructure and transportation department when he issued an access permit to a Brandon-area property developer in August.

“This looks like political interference,” Opposition Leader Wab Kinew said in question period. The NDP MLA for Fort Rouge accused the Progressive Conservative government of pushing through the development project for a major party donor.

VBJ Developments Ltd., which describes itself as the largest land developer in the Brandon area, has proposed a major residential, mixed-use development on an unserviced parcel of land adjacent to Highway 10, south of Patricia Avenue.

According to a ministerial briefing note, obtained by the Free Press, the developer applied to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure for an access permit to build a driveway from Highway 10 to its site, but was refused.

Adding an access point to the expressway would lead to more vehicle collisions, could increase costs of a future interchange in the area, violate the Water Rights Act regulation, and would not conform with standards or established policy, according to the note.

Jared Jacobson, chief executive officer of Jacobson & Greiner Group of Companies — which includes VBJ Developments — is listed as a past donor to the PC party. Jacobson also contributed $3,000 to Premier Heather Stefanson’s party leadership campaign.

“The minister’s own department thought this project should be rejected,” NDP infrastructure critic Matt Wiebe said in the chamber. “This PCs have tried to hide their interference all to help one of their friends who’s donated thousands of dollars to the PC party.”

Piwniuk argued the permit will support economic development in the western Manitoba city as it looks to grow its footprint to Provincial Trunk Highway 110, the easterly bypass of the city. He likened the municipality’s development plans to that of Winnipeg’s growth towards the Perimeter Highway.

“Here’s an opportunity now to make sure this province grows,” Piwniuk said in response to Wiebe. “We’re going to make sure we focus on economic development at the same time focusing on safety for all Manitoba drivers.”

Piwniuk’s approval came with three conditions that must be satisfied by the developer: VBJ must order a traffic impact study that includes appropriate safety improvements for the highway; provide information to the department regarding drainage and the impact on provincial roadways; and receive a motion of support from the City of Brandon acknowledging the policy deviation.

In mid-August, Brandon council passed a motion supporting the developer’s appeal.

“While an additional access could create operational and safety concerns, a future intersection at this location would include turning lanes and traffic signals within a reduced speed zone,” a spokesperson for the city said in a statement. “It is anticipated that traffic volumes will grow over many years as the area builds out into an urban setting. The expansion of the urban setting will act as a natural traffic calming measure, supportive of speed reductions.”

Speaking later to reporters, Piwniuk said his department’s No. 1 priority is safety; however, the PCs are also trying to promote investment in Manitoba. He dismissed allegations by the Opposition of political interference.

“Our mandate, when it comes to our premier, she wants to see economic development in every corner of this province and Brandon is no exception,” Piwniuk said.

“If it’s an outside investor that’s coming into the province or there’s investors that want to expand, we’re going to be seriously looking at the opportunity to make sure that we work together, collaborate… working together to make sure that it’s a win-win for everyone.”

VBJ Developments vice-president of planning services Steve McMillan said the company is excited to be moving forward with the support, following more than a decade of public engagement and planning.

“Not only does our project fit within the overall city development and growth plans; it will also provide Brandonites with a new major urban mixed-use development that includes regional retail-commercial, as well as single-detached and multi-family residential housing,” McMillan said in an emailed response to the Free Press.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca