Councillors Jeff Browaty (Chair of Finance and Economic Development) and Ross Eadie (Chair of Water, Waste and Environment), with the support of Mayor Scott Gillingham, will introduce a motion at Executive Policy Committee on April 21 proposing how the City should allocate higher-than-expected water and sewer revenues from 2025.
The proposal focuses on keeping services affordable for Winnipeggers while strengthening the City’s long-term financial health.
The motion will propose three key actions, funded from the 2025 water and sewer revenue surplus:
- Freeze water and sewer rates in 2027, pending confirmation of one-third federal and one-third provincial funding for Phase 3 of the North End Water Pollution Control Centre – $15 million
- Redesign and expand the H2O (Help to Others) program to provide affordability support to homeowners struggling to pay their water and sewer bills – $1.1 million
- Reduce the City’s debt requirement for its one-third share of the North End plant project, freeing up borrowing capacity for other priority infrastructure projects – $48.6 million
Water and sewer revenues were higher than expected in 2025 due to increased consumption and more accurate meter readings. The resulting surplus provides an opportunity to keep services more affordable, including freezing water and sewer rates at current levels in 2027 instead of the previously approved increase of 4.2%.
“Winnipeggers are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and when we have an opportunity to keep services more affordable, we should take it,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This plan does that in a responsible way. It helps keep rates stable, supports people who need it most, and continues progress on one of the most important infrastructure projects in our city.”
Councillor Browaty said the proposal reflects a balanced approach to managing the City’s finances.
“This is about using a positive variance wisely,” said Browaty. “We can ease pressure on households in the near term while also strengthening our financial position by reducing future debt. That puts the City in a better position to deliver on other important infrastructure priorities.”
Councillor Eadie emphasized the importance of the H2O program expansion.
“We have a duty to keep our essential services sustainable, but we also have a duty to the people who find it harder to make ends meet,” said Eadie. “Redesigning and expanding the H2O program and holding rates will make a real difference for many Winnipeg households.”
The motion will be considered at the April 21 meeting of Executive Policy Committee and would require approval by City Council.