Winnipeg, MB – The Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update proposes significant mode shift investments that will help transform Winnipeg Transit while continuing to prioritize active transportation.
“In spite of a challenging year for Winnipeg Transit finances, we are holding the line on this critical service for our economy, transportation system, and climate, while continuing to move forward with the newly adopted Winnipeg Transit Master Plan,” said Matt Allard, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works.
The six-year capital investment plan includes $510.2 million of tri-level government funding to support the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Public Transit Infrastructure Stream funding application. This application includes investments for:
- Radio and Intelligent Transportation System Replacement
- North Garage Replacement
- Transition to Zero Emission Buses
- Rapid Transit (Downtown Corridors) Preliminary Design
- Primary Transit Network Infrastructure
- Wheelchair Securements Retro-fit
Transit fares will see an inflationary increase by five cents, which will keep Winnipeg Transit fares among the lowest in Canada.
The Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update reports a $26.4 million shortfall within Winnipeg Transit due to lower ridership as a result of the global pandemic. To help offset this shortfall, the Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update proposes the same six percent reduction in Winnipeg Transit service in 2022 that was adopted by Council in the 2021 Balanced Budget Update. It also includes a one-time drawdown on Winnipeg Transit’s retained earnings. The combined result is a reduction in the shortfall by approximately $5.9 million and a net shortfall of $20.5 million in 2022 that will be covered by Winnipeg taxpayers.
The tax-supported subsidy to transit is proposed to be $97.6 million in 2022, an increase of 24% over the projection of $78.5 million.
“Active transportation is a critical tool in our fight against climate change and for providing Winnipeggers with safe and convenient transportation options, and we must continue to commit to the full implementation of the active transportation strategies, and beyond,” said Allard.
Active transportation investments will increase by 54.2 percent from $5.8 million in 2021 to $8.9 million in 2022.
Active transportation investments include:
- $1.2 million for protected bike lanes as part of a road renewal on University Crescent from Pembina Highway to Dysart Road
- $1 million for a Transcona Trail Extension study and construction (study in 2022 and construction in 2023)
- $825,000 in 2023 for bike path renewals and improvements on Jubilee Avenue that will connect the active transportation network from Pembina Highway to Churchill Drive
- $650,000 to take the North Winnipeg Parkway active transportation corridor project from study to construction
- $300,000 in 2027 for a multiuse path extension from Togo Drive to Churchill Drive
- $180,000 for Phase 2 of construction on the Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Project