Distribution of proposed changes

In a bold move to balance the city's finances, Winnipeg is preparing a preliminary four-year budget that includes various fees and new charges. Mayor Scott Gillingham, true to his campaign promise, has promised a 3.5% annual property tax increase, a stark contrast to other cities that have seen tax increases of up to 10%. In addition, it is planned to stop frontal payments.

Distribution of property tax increases

Two percent of the proposed property tax increase would be earmarked to fund road improvements, which would direct an expected $984 million over six years to this critical infrastructure. A significant 1.5 percentage points will be allocated to operating budget support until 2026. Beginning in 2027, all revenue from the tax increase will be used to fund city operations. For homeowners, that means a $69 increase in payments this year on a home valued at $338,900.

The city fee and transit fare will increase

The budget proposal plans to raise various city fees by an average of five percent over the next two years, followed by 2.5 percent over the next two years. The city will also introduce a new fee for multi-family garbage collection and raise fees for single-family homes. There will be no public transport, and transit fares on the cards will increase by 10 cents every year. However, the low-income transit permit will remain unchanged until 2024.

Overview of other key offers

A monthly fee of $1,911 is intended to fund expanded emergency services subject to provincial approval. The city aims to raise the occupancy tax for hotel rooms and short-term rentals by one percentage point to six percent, with some of the revenue earmarked for future capital allocations. Winnipeg Convention Center. In addition, the budget proposes to close some swimming pools, install new sprinklers, increase the snow removal budget, and increase investment in public safety and library services. The final verdict on the budget is set for March 20 after public deliberations.