WINNIPEG, MB - For the first time in the history of the City of Winnipeg, Executive Policy Committee is proposing that one per cent of property taxes be dedicated to fixing and maintaining Winnipeg's local streets, back lanes and sidewalks.
The 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget, tabled today, calls for a one per cent property tax increase to be devoted entirely to improving crucial neighbourhood infrastructure. Called the Local Street Renewal Reserve, the fund will increase the local streets budget by 66 per cent, from $21.65 million in 2012 to $35.86 million in 2013, an increase of over $14 million. This tax increase will be under $15 for an average homeowner.
"Winnipeggers have told us time and time again that one of their priorities is the condition of our streets, back lanes and sidewalks,� said Mayor Sam Katz. "This budget sets out a long-term plan for renewal and, by dedicating funds to streets each year, we are taking an important step in battling the City of Winnipeg's ongoing infrastructure crisis."
Twenty per cent of Winnipeg's local streets, along with 16 per cent of back lanes, are in poor condition and require major rehabilitation or reconstruction. Another 15 per cent of local streets are in fair condition and require preventative maintenance.
"This is an historic budget. For the first time ever, we are dedicating a fund for the renewal of neighbourhood streets, back lanes and sidewalks," said Deputy Mayor Russ Wyatt, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. "We are proposing to increase these funds by 66 per cent and setting a vision for sustainable infrastructure renewal funding to serve current and future generations."
The Preliminary Operating Budget calls for an additional property tax increase of 2.87 per cent to fund essential services such as police, fire and paramedics. These critical emergency services make up 44 per cent of the City of Winnipeg's operating budget. Even with this increase, Winnipeg still has the lowest property taxes among major Canadian cities. The increase equates to $42 per year for the average house.
Capital and operating budgets were tabled together today. Closely tying the two budgets is a new initiative that facilitates and integrates the City of Winnipeg's overall strategic planning and budgeting processes.
Citizens are invited to participate in the 2013 budget process. Please call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to register as a delegation for the following meetings which are scheduled as part of the Budget 2013 approval process:
Friday, January 11, 2013 - Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works (rescheduled from January 7)
Monday, January 14, 2013 - Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services (regular meeting)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development (regular meeting)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - Executive Policy Committee, to hear delegations on budgets
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - Executive Policy Committee to consider Standing Committee recommendations, and table final recommendations
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - Special Meeting of Council to consider Preliminary Operating and Capital budgets
The Preliminary Capital Budget includes $374.7 million in capital expenditures in 2013 while the Preliminary Operating Budget provides for $921.6 million in tax supported expenditures in 2013, with $556.6 million for utilities and special operating agencies, for a combined operating budget of $1.5 billion of investments in services, programs and infrastructure improvements for Winnipeggers. The City of Winnipeg continues to have among the lowest operating costs for similarly-sized municipal governments in Canada.
The 2013 Budget represents the first step in a long-term plan to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. 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 2013 Budget, please visit: winnipeg.ca/2013budget.