Winnipeg, MB - Regional streets in the City of Winnipeg will see a 113 per cent increase in investment in 2014, largely due to a proposed Regional Street Renewal Reserve.
Under the City of Winnipeg 2014 Preliminary Budget, a one per cent property tax increase will be devoted entirely to fixing these major thoroughfares, which carry about 80 per cent of the City’s daily traffic volume and forming the backbone of Winnipeg’s transportation system.
“Businesses and residents rely on our regional road system every day,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Winnipeggers have told us repeatedly that their priority is fixing our streets. This plan ensures that our regional streets receive significant dedicated tax dollars each and every year, just as we’ve done with our local streets.”
The City of Winnipeg is facing a funding shortfall of $40 million per year for regional streets. Under this long-term plan, sustainable funding will be achieved by 2022 -- or sooner, if the City of Winnipeg receives new growth revenue from other levels of government.
In the first year of implementation of the Regional Street Renewal Reserve, spending on regional streets will total $35.3 million, an increase of $18.8 million over 2013 spending.
“The dedicated new dollars from the Regional Street Renewal Reserve will stop more regional streets from falling into poor condition,” said Councillor Russ Wyatt, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. “Maintaining these streets will support the businesses that rely on our transportation network, from shipping inventory safely to providing efficient routes for customers and workers.”
“Our city’s infrastructure needs dedicated new funding,” said Councillor Justin Swandel, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “Most municipal governments are facing the same infrastructure crisis. The City of Winnipeg is showing leadership putting forward a targeted, long-term plan to reach sustainable funding levels.”
The 2014 Budget builds on the City’s long-term plan to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens by renewing our infrastructure, focusing on core services, and building communities through parks and recreation.
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 2014 Budget, please visit City of Winnipeg - 2014 Budget