Premier Brian Pallister has softened his tone on Winnipeg growth fees as he concedes the province has received conflicting advice about Mayor Brian Bowman's proposed plan.

Pallister said Monday he's going to wait and watch what Winnipeg does with growth fees before the province decides whether to take any action about the charges, which the premier previously warned against.

On Wednesday, city council's executive policy committee will vote on a phased-in growth-fee plan that will see new charges levied against residential properties in specified areas at the fringes of Winnipeg on May 1. The plan also calls for industrial, commercial, office and institutional developments to be subject to the fees in two years, while residential developments in older neighbourhoods will be charged in three years.

This plan, which also reduces the initially proposed fees by 50 per cent, came forward after council property chairman John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) conducted three weeks of consultations with developers and construction companies.

"I'm pleased there's been an additional attempt by the city to reach out and broaden their opportunities for input," Pallister said at the Legislative Building.

"I know it's a contentious issue. I want to show respect for the city in arriving at a solution they feel is appropriate."

These comments diverged in tone from those made by the premier in September, when he warned growth fees may put Manitoba at a competitive disadvantage, warned about the unforeseen consequences of the fees and urged the city to look within to find savings.

Pallister said Monday he still thinks it's wise for the city to consider internal efficiencies and said there is a legitimate concern that growth fees could exacerbate urban sprawl by forcing developers to flee Winnipeg in favour of neighbouring municipalities.

But he said he feels the debate has taken a healthier direction.

He also hinted it is not clear whether the province has a legal means of stopping the city from going through with the new fees.

In September, Municipal and Indigenous Relations Minister Eileen Clarke said the province sought a legal opinion on growth fees. Several opinions were then obtained — and they're not all the same, Pallister said.

"I have actually differing legal opinions," said Pallister, declining to go into detail.

Pending EPC approval on Wednesday, Bowman's growth-fee plan goes to a council vote on Oct. 26.