Springfield Mayor Patrick Therrien says he is disappointed by council’s 4–1 decision to withdraw from the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region but respects the democratic process, supports regional planning in principle, and leaves open the possibility of the municipality rejoining under a future plan.

Six out of 18 member municipalities of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region have taken advantage of Premier Wab Kinew’s “Freedom Bill” to opt out of the organization. The latest to drop off the membership roll is the RM of Springfield, and according to statements at the WMR board meeting on Thursday, more may be heading to the exit.

Springfield council already heard from numerous delegations urging them to vote to leave, citing the failure of Plan20-50 last year, when 12 RMs ultimately announced they did not support the proposed regional development blueprint.

© Winnipeg Sun