Funding changes needed as Winnipeg continues to grow, officials say

The City of Winnipeg is hoping to start conversations to change the municipal funding model as it continues to grow in population and infrastructure needs increase.

Residents in one southwest Winnipeg neighbourhood will be able to sleep a little easier in the coming months.

The cause of the more restful sleep? Three levels of government coming together on Tuesday to break ground for a modular fire and paramedic hall in Waverley West, which has gone without the service since its development began in 2005.

Waverley West councillor Janice Lukes is relieved the project is finally getting underway, as it’s an important front-line service that is desperately needed by her ward, but is already thinking about all the other needs on the city’s infrastructure wish list.

“A fact. This firehall is a critical piece of city infrastructure, that is directly needed to support the growth, just like other pieces of infrastructure,” Lukes explained.

“We need quality roads for transportation and goods movement, recreation facilities, and sewer treatment plants. But here’s another fact, there’s only one taxpayer.”

According to Lukes the current municipal funding model isn’t working. She says for every tax dollar collected, the city sees about 10 cents, the province gets 40 and the federal government 50.

Premier Wab Kinew acknowledged the issue, and while speaking with reporters says his government is open to having conversations.

“We’ll just start with a conversation with city administration, we have an excellent working relationship with Mayor Gillingham, and we’ll take it from there.”