Winnipeg, MB – Faced with a growing population and increasing demands on services, the City of Winnipeg has rolled out its 2025 Preliminary Budget Update, a plan that makes historic investments in public safety and road infrastructure.
With $1 billion set aside for street repairs over six years and funding to add dozens of police officers, firefighters, and transit safety officers, the budget aims to address what Winnipeggers have said are their top priorities: safer neighborhoods and better roads.
“This budget is in direct response to what Winnipeggers have told us are their priorities in multiple surveys and through feedback received at City Hall,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “With 65,000 new residents added to our city in just the past three years, the strain on our services is real. This budget ensures we’re taking action to meet these growing demands while setting a path for a safer, more sustainable future.”
Key Investments in Public Safety and Infrastructure
Recognizing the urgent need to address public safety, the budget includes significant funding for first responders and community-based crime prevention:
- 36 new police officers over two years and additional patrol cars to improve community policing.
- 15 new Community Safety Officers over two years to enhance security on Winnipeg Transit.
- 24 new firefighters (funded by the Province of Manitoba) and upgrades to firefighting equipment, including new trucks, to meet increasing service demands from a growing city.
- $1 million in new youth recreation programming in high-needs neighborhoods to prevent crime and provide positive outlets for young people.
- Funding to clean-up dangerous debris in City parks.
“This budget gives our first responders the tools they need to protect our city and our residents,” said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development. “It also invests in proactive measures like youth recreation to address root causes of crime and create safer communities.”
Roads remain another key priority for Winnipeggers. The budget includes a historic $1 billion investment in street renewal over the next six years, with $169.3 million allocated for 2025 alone, a 15.8% increase over 2024. This funding will improve roads, expand active transportation networks, and enhance safety for all users. Winnipeg Transit’s operating subsidy will increase to a record $124 million as the City prepares to launch its new city-wide transit network next summer.
“Winnipeg’s streets and transit system are the backbone of our city,” said Mayor Gillingham. “These investments will improve mobility, safety, and quality of life for everyone in our growing community.”
Balancing Priorities and Stabilizing Finances
The budget takes a balanced approach to address Winnipeg’s financial challenges, including inflation, rising service costs, and the need to replenish the Financial Stabilization Reserve (FSR). Key measures include:
- A 5.95% property tax increase – an increase of just $10 per month for the typical home - with funds dedicated to roads, essential operations, public safety, and financial risk management.
- Starting the process of rebuilding the FSR to ensure funds are available for future emergencies and unforeseen challenges.
- A renewed focus on the Continuous Improvement process led by the Chief Financial Officer to identify ongoing savings.
- The formation of a new Budget Management Team to explore more savings options.
“Despite the growing demands on our services, Winnipeg will continue to have the lowest property taxes of any major city in Canada,” said Mayor Gillingham. “This budget balances affordability with the need to make critical investments in our safety, infrastructure, and financial stability.”
“This is a plan that reflects the needs and priorities of our residents,” added Councillor Browaty. “It’s about creating safer neighborhoods, improving roads, and ensuring Winnipeg is well-positioned for future growth.”