Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg’s financial status and forecast report to November 30, 2022, is forecasting a projected deficit in the tax-supported operating budget (General Revenue Fund) of $69.6 million and an additional shortfall of $13.7 million in Transit as at November 30, 2022. The financial status and forecast report will be presented at the meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development on January 12, 2023.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the City’s financial forecast above what was budgeted for this year. As part of the 2022 budget update, the City had budgeted $41.3 million for anticipated COVID-19 related financial impacts. However, as at November 30, 2022, an estimated $12 million in further COVID-19 financial impacts are identified in the report.
Additional financial pressures are being felt as a result of significant snowfall this past winter and high fuel rates. The total over-expenditure relating to snow removal and ice control is forecasted to be $52.6 million for the year, which includes an over-expenditure request for December operations. The report also notes fuel prices have escalated beyond what was anticipated in the 2022 budget update, which is largely impacting the operating budgets of Transit and the General Revenue Fund. The estimated financial impact in this forecast for fuel for the year is $11 million.
The financial forecast does not include the impact of the Government of Canada’s announced $750 million to support municipalities facing transit operating shortfalls. The Governments of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have reached an agreement that will see federal funding of $19.4 million transferred to Winnipeg.
“The continued impacts of COVID-19 and significant over-expenditures in snow and ice operations are the main reasons for the City’s forecasted financial shortfalls this year,” said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development. “Recent announcements by the federal and provincial governments on financial support for municipalities with transit systems is encouraging and should help alleviate significant operational losses caused by the pandemic. Even with this support, the City’s Financial Stabilization Reserve Fund may be left significantly depleted if it’s drawn upon to avoid a deficit in the General Revenue Fund. The limited resources left remaining in the Fiscal Stabilization Fund will need to be considered in the 2023 annual budget update.”
The over-expenditure report is publicly available through the Decision Making Information System (DMIS).