Winnipeg, MB - The 2014 Preliminary Capital Budget continues a plan for enhanced capital investment to support a healthy, vibrant Winnipeg now and into the future.
“The City of Winnipeg is bringing forward a long-term strategic plan to invest in our local and regional streets,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Our transportation infrastructure is vital, and this budget dedicates historic levels of funding to fixing our streets. This capital budget addresses the priorities of our citizens, which include improving the state of our roads and providing quality community and recreation opportunities.”
Subject to City Council approval, highlights of the 2014 Preliminary Capital Budget and 2015-2019 Capital Forecast tabled today at Executive Policy Committee include:
Local and Regional Streets, Sidewalks, and Back Lanes in 2014
- A one per cent property tax increase for 2014 will be allocated to the Local Street Renewal Reserve, solely dedicated to the renewal of local streets, back lanes and sidewalks
- Local Street Renewal Reserve will provide an enhanced program of $18.2 million for a total of $48.9 million in local street renewal
- A further one per cent property tax increase for 2014 will be allocated to a new Regional Street Renewal Reserve, solely dedicated to the renewal of regional streets
- Regional Street Renewal Reserve will provide an enhanced program of $14.3 million for a total of $35.3 million in regional street renewal
- Total local and regional street renewal is proposed at $84.2 million in 2014, an increase of $53.3 million or 173 per cent compared to 2012 (prior to the establishment of the Local Street Renewal Reserve)
"For the first time in our city's history, we now have two long-term and achievable plans to fix our local streets and regional roads, eliminating this portion of the infrastructure deficit and doing it all within a 25-year repair cycle," said Councillor Russ Wyatt, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance.
Environment, Sustainable Transportation, Community Facilities and Amenities in 2014
- Introduction of a Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program - amalgamating two existing programs, and increasing funds by $3 million to a total of $6.3 million. Nine projects have already been identified across the city, and others will follow
- Active Transportation Corridors - doubling the program to $1 million
- Reforestation Improvements - increasing from $383,000 to $1 million, including funding for replacement of City cherry trees that have succumbed to Black Knot or other environmental factors
- Athletic Fields Improvements - increasing from $200,000 to $1 million
- Continuation of Library Redevelopment Program over seven years - $5.4 million in 2014 for Transcona Library
The $2.7 billion 2014-2019 Capital investment plan represents an increase of $211.8 million or 8.6 per cent over last year’s plan, including:
- $1.1 billion for sewage disposal system projects
- $617.9 million for roads and bridges
- $324.2 million for the transit system
- $171.8 million for the water system
- $129.7 million for community services
- $71.2 million for public safety infrastructure
- $61.8 million for municipal facilities including pools, arenas and recreation amenities
- $38.1 million for solid waste disposal
- $35.9 million for land drainage and flood control
The 2014-2019 Capital investment plan calls for continued and increased spending through higher cash to capital spending, while at the same time using more borrowing in an environment of low interest rates. This will maximize the amount of funding available to build, maintain and repair roads, bridges, sidewalks, back lanes, community buildings and facilities.
The City of Winnipeg has been able to obtain excellent long-term interest rates due to the stable credit rating it has maintained through prudent fiscal planning.
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