Dear Winnipeg: If Growth Is Expensive, You’re Doing It Wrong

A new development in Winnipeg checks all the right urban planning boxes—density, mixed-use, transit access—but beneath the surface, it’s the same old costly pattern of suburban expansion. The problem? It demands expensive infrastructure upgrades that far outstrip the tax revenue it generates.

The numbers don’t lie: more roads, more utilities, and more long-term costs make this kind of growth a financial trap. Meanwhile, historic neighborhoods like the Exchange District create far more value with far less burden. If growth is expensive, maybe we’re doing it wrong.

Why does this matter in Minot? Less than 2-weeks ago, a committee reviewing Minot’s economic development practices let their discussion wander into wondering about how Minot should pay for infrastructure for new developments — taxes or special assessments. Perhaps we should be questioning the underlying assumptions. At least one guy in Winnipeg is. One in Minot is joining him, here.

If you’d like to come along, the commentary from Elmwood Guy writing to his beloved Winnipeg is linked below. It’s delightful Sunday reading.

Elmwood Guy

Dear Winnipeg

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