Budget 2013: Steps toward solving infrastructure deficit

Released: January 9, 2013 at 12:45 p.m.
More funds for environmental protection, rapid transit, traffic improvements; introducing new, dedicated fund for local street renewal

WINNIPEG, MB - The 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget lays out a plan for enhanced capital investment to support a healthy, vibrant Winnipeg now and into the future.

“Strategic road investments, like the Polo Park infrastructure improvements and the twinning of Molson from Munroe to Concordia, along with the commitment to invest $137.5 million for the construction of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor, and the establishment of a new Local Street Renewal Reserve demonstrate the City of Winnipeg is committed to improving our transportation infrastructure for all citizens,” said Mayor Sam Katz.

Highlights of the 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget and 2014-2018 Capital Forecast tabled today at Executive Policy Committee include:

Roads, sidewalks, back lanes in 2013

  • One per cent property tax will be for the Local Street Renewal Reserve, solely dedicated to the renewal of local streets, back lanes and sidewalks
  • The new reserve will generate $4.5 million in new revenue each year and result in a 66% increase in local street renewal, up from $21.65 million (2012) to $35.86 million (2013) in the first year of a 25-year proposal for sustainable street renewal funding
  • $10 million in borrowing in 2013 for local street renewal, using part of the new reserve to service this debt (2013 debt servicing estimated at $500,000)
  • $30 million for Polo Park traffic infrastructure improvements
  • $7.4 million for the twinning of Molson Street (Munroe to Concordia)

Environment/Sustainable Transportation

  • $7.2 million for construction of Community Resource Recovery facilities in 2013
  • $3.8 million (subject to provincial contribution of $1.9 million) in operating and capital costs in 2013 for enhanced Dutch Elm Disease Management strategy
  • $137.5 million for the City’s share of completing Stage 2 of Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor, subject to partner funding
  • $1.1 million for the planning, design and preparation of future rapid transit corridors, including an Eastern Rapid Transit Corridor, subject to matching funding from the Province

Community Facilities and Amenities

  • $5 million for the East Elmwood Community Centre construction, subject to partner funding
  • $24.6 million over six years, for a redevelopment project involving eight Winnipeg Public Library facilities over the next eight years
  • Continued commitment to capital improvement of Assiniboine Park, the “jewel in the crown” of Winnipeg’s park system through a total of $66.2 million in the Capital Budget and Forecast over the next six years, an $11.9 million operating grant in 2013, as well as a loan guarantee for $17 million for the Journey to Churchill project

Public Safety Infrastructure

  • $40 million over the next six years for projects including police headquarters; South and North district police stations; dispatch, computer, radio, telephone and video system upgrades
  • $22 million over the next six years for new/renovated fire paramedic facilities, and radio system replacement

“The 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget and Capital Forecast lays out a road map for strategic investment to sustain growth and renewal in a healthy, growing city like Winnipeg,” said Deputy Mayor Russ Wyatt, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. “This is a prudent plan that takes a first major step toward sustainable infrastructure funding for now and for our city’s future.”

The $2.5 billion 2013-2018 Capital investment plan represents an increase of $145.3 million or 6.2 per cent over last year’s plan, including:

  • $996.6 million for sewage disposal projects
  • $464.7 million for roads and bridges
  • $305.8 million for the transit system
  • $258.7 million for parks, community infrastructure and amenities
  • $189.3 million for the water system
  • $98.5 million for land drainage and flood control
  • $62.1 million for public safety infrastructure
  • $47.1 million for solid waste disposal

The Capital Budget proposal calls for increased spending through both a higher ratio of cash to capital spending, while at the same time using more borrowing in an environment of low interest rates. This will maximize the amount of funding available to build, maintain and repair our roads, sidewalks, back lanes, community centres and other public facilities.

The City has been able to obtain excellent borrowing rates due to the stable credit rating it has maintained through prudent fiscal planning, despite global financial uncertainty that began in 2008.

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.

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