1. Preparation of the Motion

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• Timeframe: Councilor drafts a motion.  his can involve consultations with staff, legal advisors, or stakeholders.  This motion is can be put forward at community committee, Standing Polcicy Committee or Council

• Details: The motion must clearly outline specific actions or directives, its alignment with city policies, and potential implications.

• Standing Polcicy Committee: The councilor may discuss the motion with colleagues or relevant committees to gather support and refine the proposal.

• Variables to Consider:

  • Viability: Initial consultations may reveal legal or logistical challenges that could delay or alter the motion.

  • Budgetary Impact: Early assessments should consider potential budget implications, as significant financial aspects may require additional review from the Finance Committee.

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  2. Submission to the Appropriate Standing Committee

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• Timeframe: Winnipeg City Council has several Standing Committees, including:

  • Executive Policy Committee (EPC): Handles city-wide policy and major decisions.

  • Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage, and Downtown Development: Focuses on development and heritage matters.

  • Standing Policy Committee on Finance: Reviews financial and budgetary matters.

  • Other relevant committees may include Public Works, Water and Waste, or Community Services based on the topic of the motion.

• Variables to Consider:

  • Submissions Deadlines: Missed submission deadlines may delay the motion to the next scheduled meeting, adding weeks to the process.

  • Budgetary Concerns: If the motion involves a significant budget request, it may trigger a mandatory referral to the Finance Committee for review.

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   3. Consideration by the Standing Committee

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• Timeframe: The motion is typically reviewed at the next scheduled Standing Committee meeting, which could occur monthly.

• Details: The committee discusses the motion, and may request reports from city administration or external consultations to assess its viability, budgetary impact, and public implications.

• Possible Outcomes:

  • Approve: The committee may approve the motion as-is and send it to the next stage (Executive Policy Committee or City Council).

  • Amend: The committee may suggest or require changes to the motion.

  • Refer for Further Review: If the motion requires more data or public input, the committee can request additional reports, delaying the process.

  • Reject: The motion can be rejected at this stage if it lacks viability or sufficient support.

• Variables to Consider:

  • Public Consultation Requirements: If the motion affects specific communities or policies, public hearings or stakeholder consultations may be required, extending the process.

  • Legal Review: Some motions may need a legal review, especially those involving zoning changes or by-laws.

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   4. Recommendation to the Executive Policy Committee (EPC)

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• Timeframe: After Standing Committee approval, the motion moves to the EPC, typically within a few weeks.

• Details: EPC reviews the broader policy and financial implications of the motion, ensuring it aligns with the city's strategic priorities.

• Possible Outcomes:

  • Approve and Recommend to City Council: The EPC may send the motion to City Council for final review.

  • Amend: The EPC may suggest changes, which could send the motion back to the Standing Committee for re-approval.

  • Request Further Information: EPC may ask for more reports or budgetary details, delaying the motion’s progress.

  • Reject: The motion can be rejected at this stage if deemed not aligned with city policy or financially unfeasible.

• Variables to Consider:

  • Substantial Amendments: If significant changes are made, the motion may be referred back to the original Standing Committee, restarting the review process.

  • Finance Committee Referral: If the motion has significant budget implications, it may be referred to the Finance Committee for a separate review before proceeding.

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   5. Review by City Council

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• Timeframe: City Council typically meets once a month.

• Details: City Council reviews the motion, allowing for debate, amendments, and final voting. Councilors may request additional clarification or modifications before the vote.

• Public Input: In some cases, the public may be allowed to present opinions or objections to the motion during this stage.

• Possible Outcomes:

  • Approve: The motion is passed by a majority vote.

  • Amend: Councilors may propose amendments, which may require further review by the EPC or Standing Committee.

  • Refer Back: The motion can be sent back to a previous committee if changes or further input are necessary.

  • Reject: If the motion does not secure enough votes or is deemed unviable, it can be rejected.

• Variables to Consider:

  • Length of Debate: Debate on controversial or complex motions can extend this stage.

  • Amendments: If amendments are made, they may require the motion to go back through EPC or committees, adding time to the process.

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   6. Implementation (If Approved)

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• Timeframe: Once passed by City Council, the motion is handed over to the relevant city department for implementation.

• Details: This could involve drafting by-laws, allocating funding, or coordinating with provincial or federal agencies.

• Variables to Consider:

  • Implementation Challenges: Some motions may face practical challenges during implementation, such as budget constraints, legal hurdles, or delays in coordinating with other government levels.

  • Budget Allocation: Motions involving significant financial commitments may face delays if the budget needs further adjustments or approvals.

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   What Happens If a Committee Changes the Motion?

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   Standing Committee Changes

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• Scenario: If the Standing Committee changes the motion, the revised motion is forwarded to the next stage (EPC) if the changes are minor. However, if the changes are substantial, the motion may be referred back to the original committee for further discussion and review.

• Possible Outcomes:

  • Minor changes proceed, while substantial changes delay the process by requiring further review.

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   Executive Policy Committee (EPC) Changes

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• Scenario: If EPC changes the motion, the amended version is sent to City Council. If the changes are substantial, it may be referred back to the Standing Committee for further approval.

• Possible Outcomes:

  • Substantial amendments delay the process as they must be reapproved by the committee.

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   City Council Changes

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• Scenario: City Council can propose amendments during debate. If the changes are significant, the motion may be sent back to EPC or the Standing Committee for further review.

• Possible Outcomes:

  • Substantial amendments may lead to delays or even rejection if the motion no longer aligns with its original intent.

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   Potential Variables and Delays:

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1. Public Hearings and Consultations: These may add weeks or months to the process if required.

2. Budgetary Concerns: If the motion has a financial component, further reviews and approvals from the Finance Committee may delay proceedings.

3. Legal Review: Complex legal matters may require extensive consultation, causing delays.

4. External Coordination: If the motion involves provincial or federal authorities, external coordination can extend the timeline.

   Timeline Recap (Considering All Variables):

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• Week 1-4: Motion preparation, submission, and initial Standing Committee review.

• Week 5-8: Review by the Executive Policy Committee (EPC) and further referrals if necessary.

• Week 9-12: Review and voting by City Council.

• Week 12+: If amendments or budget reviews are required, the process can extend further. The total process can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks or even longer depending on amendments, public consultations, and financial implications.

The full process may take several months if the motion involves complex issues, significant financial considerations, public consultations, or legal reviews.