Property tax and fee increases part of Winnipeg's proposed budget for 2023

For the first time with Mayor Scott Gillingham at the helm of Winnipeg City Hall, a new proposed budget has been tabled for 2023.

For the first time with Mayor Scott Gillingham at the helm of Winnipeg City Hall, a new proposed budget has been tabled for 2023.

This year’s budget puts a wrap on the city’s first-ever multi-year balanced budget, which started in 2020.

"I believe (the budget) maps out a targeted approach to reinvesting in city services and to begin replenishing the financial stabilization reserve fund," said Gillingham. "During the civic election last year, I spoke about the need to reinvest in Winnipeg."

Gillingham is following through on one of his campaign promises by increasing property tax by 3.5 per cent.

As in years past, two per cent will go toward road renewal and .33 per cent will finance the Southwest Rapid Transitway.

However, the other 1.17 per cent will support several projects around the city totalling $7.8 million.

Of that $7.8 million, $3.6 million will be used to protect and renew Winnipeg’s tree canopy - this brings the total investment for the canopy to $26.3 million.