WINNIPEG, MB - The 2013 Preliminary Operating Budget devotes $406.2 million to police, fire and paramedic operations, making emergency services the single largest area of expenditure in the City of Winnipeg’s operating budget.
“The care and protection of Winnipeg families is our highest priority,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This budget reflects that commitment by ensuring that our police and fire paramedic services have the staff and resources that they need to ensure our safety.”
Highlights of public safety enhancements in the 2013 Tax-supported Preliminary Operating and 2013-2018 Capital plans include:
- Addition of 12 paramedics to staff a new ambulance 24/7 in 2013, to ease some of the burden on Winnipeg’s busy ambulances, which are often kept idle at city emergency rooms, waiting to off-load patients
- Ten new fire paramedic communication/dispatch operators in 2013, to enhance 911 call taking service, ensuring that all calls continue to be answered and processed in accordance with accepted standards
- $40 million over next six years for capital projects including police headquarters; South and North district police stations; dispatch, computer, radio, telephone and video system upgrades
- $22 million over next six years for new/renovated fire paramedic facilities, and radio system replacement
- Implementation of provincial funding for 10 new police officer positions for a safer community
- Addition of one new school resource officer position to expand on this valuable crime prevention/mentoring program
- In partnership with the Province, 10 new auxiliary police cadet positions to build on relationships with the community, prevent crime and allow police officers to focus on core duties
“While holding the line on expenditures elsewhere in the Budget, we are increasing our investment in public safety operations by over $31 million this year,” said Deputy Mayor Russ Wyatt, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. “Police, fire and paramedics are essential services and now represent 44 per cent of the tax-supported Operating Budget, making them our single largest expenditure.”
The $921.6 million Tax-supported Preliminary Operating Budget allocates $242.5 million for the Winnipeg Police Service and $163.7 million for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, including increases of $22.4 million and $8.9 million respectively for an added investment of $31.3 million in public safety operations during 2013.
The 2013 Budget represents the first step in a long-term plan to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. Investing in citizens’ priorities ensures that Winnipeg continues to be a great place to live, work and play, now and in the future.
For more information on the 2013 Budget, please visit: winnipeg.ca/2013budget.