New Initiative to Drive Transformative Change Included in Preliminary 2020-2023 Multi-Year Balanced Budgets

Released: March 6, 2020 at 1:53 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – A new initiative is being proposed as part of the preliminary 2020-2023 multi-year balanced budgets that would drive transformative change at the City of Winnipeg.

“One of the main benefits of the multi-year balanced budget process is the ability to take a longer term view of City planning,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The Transformative Fund is an innovative proposal that would drive transformative change while looking to increase financial sustainability and drive efficiencies.”

The new Transformative Fund (TF) is a proposal that would be funded from the sale of certain assets deemed surplus to the City’s needs as part of the preliminary 2020-2023 multi-year balanced budgets. The proposal would see the public service study options to establish the TF as the City charts a course for real, measurable transformative change over the next four years.

The TF is envisioned as a way to support investments toward the transformation of how the City delivers services while reducing the infrastructure deficit faced by the City. The TF would focus on the protection and enhancement of Winnipeg’s tree canopy, recreation, and public green spaces.

The public service would be tasked with creating plans for Council consideration in 2020, including:

  • A plan to initiate the sale of John Blumberg Golf Course, and report back later in 2020 with a plan to re-purpose up to 30% of all city-owned golf lands;
  • A plan to reduce the number of building assets the City owns, including those leased to 3rd parties; and
  • A wading pool and splash pad reinvestment strategy that would be funded by the TF.

In preparation for the 2024-2027 multi-year budgets, the public service will be working collaboratively with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and Winnipeg Police Board to bring forward options for Council’s consideration on a multi-year funding formula for the WPS that would provide planning certainty for the City, and sustainable and predictable funding level for the WPS.

“Financial sustainability is the focus of these initial proposals and they represent ways the City can be more efficient with the resources it currently has,” said Mayor Bowman.

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