Two recent public opinion polls reveal a consistent message from Winnipeggers: the City urgently needs more funding to address growing challenges in infrastructure, public safety, and homelessness.
The surveys – conducted by Probe Research on behalf of the Mayor’s Office and by Abacus Research for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) – underscore widespread concerns about insufficient municipal resources and the importance of securing support from senior levels of government.
Both polls highlight that the City’s current funding does not align with the demands of a growing population. Respondents overwhelmingly support increased financial contributions from federal and provincial governments to help the City address these pressing needs.
“Winnipeggers are clear — they want a stronger partnership between the City and senior levels of government to ensure our infrastructure and services can meet the needs of our growing city,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This is a shared responsibility, and we need the funding mechanisms to deliver for our residents.”
Funding Priorities: Infrastructure, Safety, and Social Challenges
Public safety, homelessness, and addiction remain top-of-mind for Winnipeggers, with many calling for a coordinated effort to address these issues through targeted investments from all levels of government.
At the same time, investments in infrastructure emerged as a unifying theme across both polls. Repairing roads, bridges, and public facilities was consistently identified as a top priority for municipal spending, with these investments seen as essential for maintaining Winnipeg’s quality of life and supporting economic growth
“As we plan for the upcoming budget, our focus will be on directing resources to the areas Winnipeggers have identified as critical, especially improving public safety and infrastructure,” added Mayor Gillingham. “These investments are necessary to ensure our city remains a safe, vibrant, and livable community, even as we navigate difficult financial decisions.”
Key Findings
1. Abacus Research Poll (Federation of Canadian Municipalities)
- Funding Gaps: 64% believe municipal funding has not kept pace with population growth.
- Top Concerns: 81% noted road quality and 75% ranked crime as key issues impacting quality of life.
- Funding Preferences: 64% support tying federal and provincial transfers to population growth or economic contributions.
- Confusion about Municipal Funding: Only 35% of respondents were aware municipalities cannot run deficits like the provincial and federal governments.
2. Probe Research Poll (Mayor’s Office)
- Support for Additional Funding: 56% agree the City needs additional funding for essential services.
- Spending Priorities: 76% identified repairing infrastructure, 67% prioritized homelessness support, and 56% emphasized public safety investments as top funding areas.
- Tax Preferences: While support for allowing the City to introduce new taxes is split evenly at 50%, there is a strong preference for increased provincial funding over increased property taxes (43% vs. 10%).
For more information, please contact:
Colin Fast
Director of Communications
Office of the Mayor, City of Winnipeg
cfast@winnipeg.ca / 204-803-6406