Winnipeg, MB - Following the most extensive public consultation process on the City's budget to date, the Preliminary Tax-supported Operating Budget tabled today calls for a property tax increase of 0.95 per cent to help address inflationary pressures and service costs.
This 0.95 per cent property tax increase combines with one percent proposed for continuation of the Local Street Renewal Reserve, and a further one per cent to establish a new Regional Street Renewal Reserve, resulting in a total increase of 2.95 per cent in property taxes for 2014.
Subject to City Council approval, the Preliminary Operating Budget proposes $967.8 million of investments in the services and programs Winnipeggers rely on every day, while using restraint and cost-cutting measures to maintain the lowest property taxes among major Canadian cities.
In direct response to what we heard from citizens and groups, priority areas of investment in the 2014 Preliminary Budget include city streets, parks and recreation, rapid transit, public safety, and finding efficiencies to keep our operating costs low:
- An additional $300,000 funding for library materials, an increase of 11 per cent over last year
- Increased City contribution of 3.8 per cent to Transit funding (total Operating Budget $172 million), to continue making transit an affordable, efficient transportation option
- Increasing commitment to the City’s $1 million Aboriginal Youth Strategy with up to an additional $1 million investment in an infrastructure training and apprenticeship program, subject to 1/3 provincial and private sector participation
- Continued commitment to redevelop Assiniboine Park, the “jewel in the crown” of Winnipeg’s park system through a total of $61.3 million in the Capital Budget and Forecast over the next six years, and a $12.207 million operating grant in 2014
- A new grant of $1.75 million to the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg toward the first of three new recreational facilities over the next 11 years, subject to 1/3 cost sharing between the City, Province and YMCA-YWCA:
- First facility in the city’s South West - $35 million or $11.667 million each between 2014 and 2016
- Second facility in the City’s North East - $45 million or $15 million each between 2018 and 2020
- Third facility in the City’s North West - $60 million or $20 million each between 2022 and 2024
- Increased investments in public safety through operating budget increases to police ($20 million or 8.6 per cent to $257.9 million) and fire paramedic services ($4.8 million or 2.9 per cent to $167.6 million), excluding the respective transfers to capital; public safety now makes up 44 per cent of the tax supported Budget
The Budget also fosters continued growth in Winnipeg’s business economy by reducing the business tax rate from 5.9 to 5.7 per cent for a 3.4 per cent reduction as a result of the reassessment, and continuing the Small Business Tax Credit program. As a result, 41 per cent of small businesses will receive a full rebate of business taxes. New businesses operating under the threshold will also pay no net business tax, helping to build a more vibrant business sector and contributing to job growth and prosperity for owners and employees.
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