Winnipeg, MB — Winnipeg City Council has officially passed the 2026 Balanced Budget Update in a 12-4 vote. The budget delivers the most ambitious capital program in the city’s history while strengthening frontline safety services and maintaining Winnipeg’s status as one of Canada’s most affordable cities.
Following a period of public consultation and committee review, Council approved several key enhancements to the preliminary budget to further prioritize community safety and transit reliability.
“This budget is about building a city that is prepared for the future,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “By listening to residents and colleagues, we have strengthened our commitment to public safety with more firefighters, improved our transit planning, and expanded our efforts to keep our parks clean and safe. This is a plan that supports our city's growth while protecting the pocketbooks of Winnipeggers.”
Enhancements to the Final Budget
Since the budget was first tabled in November, Council approved three notable amendments to address immediate community needs:
- Accelerated Firefighter Hiring: Doubling the 2026 commitment by adding 20 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) firefighters (up from the 10 originally proposed) to bolster emergency response and scheduling flexibility.
- Expedited Transit Planning: Adding a new Transit Planner position to expedite improvements and respond more quickly to rider feedback as the City transitions to its new transit network.
- Expanded Needle Clean-Up: Extending the needle clean-up program to six additional parks to ensure public spaces remain safe for families.
Record-Breaking Infrastructure Investment
The 2026 Budget Update advances a $3.8 billion six-year capital program — the largest in Winnipeg’s history. The centerpiece is the completion of the new North End Sewage Treatment Plant, a critical project for environmental protection and future housing growth.
Other major capital investments include:
- $1.1 billion for regional and local road renewal
- $239 million for new Transit buses to modernize the fleet
- $79 million for new and renewed recreation and library facilities
- Design and land acquisition for major trade corridors, including the Route 90 renewal and the Chief Peguis Trail extension
Strengthening Public Safety and Services
In addition to the accelerated hiring of 20 firefighter FTEs, the 2026 budget confirms several frontline service increases:
- 18 police officer FTEs (in addition to 18 in 2025)
- 11.5 paramedic FTEs (Provincially funded)
- 17 Neighbourhood Action Team FTEs to keep communities clean and safe
- Expanded late-night Transit service on 11 fixed routes and 10 On-Request zones
- 3 additional FTEs for the Water and Waste Utility Billing Centre to reduce wait times
Protecting Affordability
The budget includes a 3.5% property tax increase, which is one of the lowest among major Canadian cities for 2026. Winnipeg continues to maintain the lowest municipal property taxes and the lowest municipal revenue per capita of any major city in the country.
Furthermore, Council successfully limited water and sewer rate increases to 2.8% in 2026, a significant reduction from previous projections, to provide further relief to household budgets.
“This is a responsible, forward-looking budget,” said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development. “We are managing our finances transparently, rebuilding our reserves, and making sure every dollar is used effectively to deliver the services Winnipeggers rely on.”