Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg’s first quarter financial status and forecast report is forecasting a projected deficit of $18.9 million in the tax-supported operating budget (General Revenue Fund). The financial status and forecast report will be presented at the meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development on June 10, 2025.
The City’s forecast deficit of $18.9 million in the tax-supported operating budget is mainly the result of the following departmental deficits:
- $6.5 million in Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services mainly due to overtime costs
- $5.4 million in Planning, Property & Development mainly due to lower than expected permit fees
- $4.3 million in Winnipeg Police Service mainly related to expenditure management targets
- $3.0 million in Assets & Project Management due to a lower-than-expected transfer from Municipal Accommodations
- Offset by a surplus of $4.6 million in Public Works due to lower than budget snow clearing and ice control costs
“It is common that the City forecasts a deficit through the first quarter of the fiscal calendar,” said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development. “That being said, it is important to highlight our challenges early to allow City departments the opportunity to adjust over the course of the year.”
The first quarter report now presents Utility Funds for reporting purposes, helping to provide more comprehensive reporting to the committee. The Utility Funds are comprised of operations from Water & Waste utilities and Winnipeg Transit. Special operating agencies Animals Services, Golf Services, Fleet Management, and Winnipeg Parking Authority, as well as other reporting entities, will be included in future reports.
Within the Water & Waste Utility Funds, the first quarter report notes funds available for retained earnings of $73.2 million as the result of an increase in the Solid Waste and Sewer Services rate, approved by Council on March 27, 2025. These earnings are expected to support capital costs of the City’s Sewage Treatment Program Upgrades and ongoing operations.
The first quarter report notes the forecasted year-end balance in the Financial Stabilization Reserve Fund (FSR) is now $21.5 million, which would be available to offset the deficit in the General Revenue Fund. There will be a report on replenishing the FSR presented at Executive Policy Committee on June 17, 2025.
The City’s financial update is publicly available through the Decision Making Information System (DMIS).