WINNIPEG - November 27, 2008 – Committed to addressing the priorities of Winnipeggers, Executive Policy Committee today tabled Mayor Sam Katz’s fifth capital budget which outlines plans for the City’s infrastructure renewal and capital investment for 2009-2014.

The capital budget continues the recent reinvestment in priority road, bridge, and other infrastructure projects. The budget includes $2.1 billion in City capital projects, with over $428 million earmarked for streets and bridges over the multi-year plan -- $95 million invested in 2009 alone.

“The City is undertaking significant multi-year capital projects for the benefit of generations of Winnipeggers to come,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “We’ve continued to improve our capital processes and procedures to effectively manage in a period of strong construction inflation. We believe this plan addresses our City's capital priorities within an affordable financial framework in challenging economic times. I look forward to the input and feedback from all members of Council and all Winnipeggers as we finalize this plan over the next month.”

The city has moved forward on developing Rapid Transit in Winnipeg by investing $138 million for the development of Stage 1 of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor in partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada. This 6 year capital plan also includes $868 million in sewer utility projects to renew the system and comply with the recommendations of the Clean Environment Commission.

Other priorities include funding of $114 million for the water system, $103 million for community infrastructure and amenities, and $56 million for public safety infrastructure. Annual programs of $1.75 million in active transportation facilities and $2.3 million in traffic signals enhancement are part of the City’s commitment to improve the transportation system. A one-time contribution of $1 million for Central Park Redevelopment has also been budgeted in 2009.

“This budget process has opened our eyes to how we can improve on project delivery methods to ensure that Capital dollars are being spent in a timely fashion. In several departments we will be taking steps to identify where bottlenecks are occurring and taking measures to eliminate them,” said Councillor Justin Swandel, Chair of Finance. “Improved project delivery methods will result in Capital dollars having a far quicker visible impact for citizens. This budget follows our history of commitment to green projects. Rapid transit, a new Active Transportation Bridge in conjunction with the Disraeli project, and continued spending on sidewalks, trails, and active transportation works, are good examples of that commitment.”

This capital budget additionally includes business plan and strategic partner development related to a Municipal Corporate Utility for our water and waste water services to obtain private sector experience while maintaining full City ownership.

Next steps include public consultation through a variety of public meetings held at City Hall outlined below:

• Monday, December 1st, 9:00 a.m. – Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services
• Tuesday, December 2nd, 9:00 a.m. – Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works
• Thursday, December 4th, 2:00 p.m. – Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development
• Tuesday, December 9th, 9:00 a.m. – Executive Policy Committee
  

City Council is scheduled to consider the preliminary 2009 capital budget on December 16, 2008 at a special meeting of council.