Winnipeg, MB - Among many competing demands, the 2015 Preliminary Budget proposes investing in both new and ongoing projects and programs aimed at strengthening Winnipeg as a vibrant and caring community.
Topping the list is a new grant of $150,000 per year, for five years, in support of the United Way's Plan to End Homelessness in Winnipeg.
“It takes an entire community, including government, to help solve homelessness,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The City is proud to propose this investment as part of our contribution toward a program that makes so much sense economically and from a compassionate standpoint.”
“Providing services for Winnipeggers requires a commitment to a broad range of organizations, programs and agencies,” said Councillor Marty Morantz, Chair of Finance. “We are thankful to the many volunteers whose contributions make such a difference to the quality of life in our community.”
A summary of proposed community investments includes:
- An increase in funding for the Winnipeg Arts Council to $7.00 per capita within two years, beginning with a $250,000 increase in 2015;
- New funding of up to $300,000 for a downtown dog park;
- A move to a 100% biological larviciding program as it is an effective and environmentally friendly approach to controlling mosquitoes. Funding for the insect control program will increase by approximately $2.69 million in 2015;
- Reinstatement of funding for civic museums which fall under the Winnipeg Museums Board to ensure a vibrant community of heritage and culture. Additional funding of $51,547 in 2015 will restore previous reductions and raise total funding for these museums to $1.03 million;
- Continued funding for the City of Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth Strategy. At $1.75 million in 2015, the total includes $.75 million for a training/ apprenticeship program; and
- Support for Assiniboine Park in 2015 of $11.376 million in operating grants and $10.823 million in capital grants.
The 2015 Budget builds on the City's long-term plan to grow a modern, thriving city with quality of life improvements for all Winnipeggers that includes renewal of our infrastructure and a focus on creating a safe and vibrant community we are all proud to call home.
For more information on the 2015 Budget, please visit Winnipeg.ca/2015Budget