Winnipeg takes first step down path to opportunity
2005 operating budget approved at City Council

WINNIPEG - MARCH 22, 2005 - The City of Winnipeg took an important step toward Mayor Sam Katz’s vision of hope, opportunity and growth today when City Council approved the 2005 operating budget at a special council meeting in city hall. The approved budget freezes property taxes, cuts business taxes downtown, provides deep discounts to transit fares for seniors, and lays the groundwork for new infill housing and renovation reward programs.

“We took a huge step in the right direction today,” said Katz. “The key components of this budget will move us toward the vision I shared in my state of the city speech, one where Winnipeg can once again claim to be the ‘Chicago of the North’. It makes a statement that we are prepared to compete economically, and make sure everyone that lives here has an opportunity to join in.”

The $707 million operating budget for 2005 approved today contains the following major achievements:

• Business taxes downtown will be cut 20 per cent (from 9.75% to 7.75%)
• Property taxes will be frozen
• Infill housing and renovation reward programs will be developed
• Police funding increased
• Discounts on bus tickets and bus passes for seniors
• Frontline services will be preserved
• Money for new MAPS related initiatives
• WHHI will receive a clear funding mandate