Winnipeg residents demand new funding solutions for city services
- A recent poll shows that 56 percent of Winnipeg residents support the need for additional funding sources.
- Most respondents prefer increased provincial government funding while some favor new municipal taxes.
- The ongoing discussions with the provincial NDP government may lead to solutions for the city's financial challenges.
In late October 2023, a poll commissioned by the City of Winnipeg and conducted by Probe Research revealed that a significant majority of residents believe the city requires more financial resources besides property taxes, fees, and grants. The poll surveyed 480 adults and found that 56 percent agreed with the necessity for new funding sources. Approximately 40 percent of respondents identified increased support from the provincial government as the best option for securing additional funds. Meanwhile, 16 percent favored implementing new municipal taxes. Among the discussed new taxes, residents showed support for taxes on vacant homes, liquor sales, and commercial parking, although there was notable opposition to vehicle registration taxes and taxes on online deliveries. The conversation surrounding financial sustainability for Winnipeg comes amid growing demands for city services due to population growth. Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the importance of discovering additional revenue streams to meet these increased demands. Previous provincial government actions, including a multi-year freeze on municipal operating grants followed by a substantial 28 percent increase in 2023, have prompted city officials to seek further collaboration with the current NDP provincial government led by their commitment to restore annual increases. In a recent announcement, the provincial government pledged an additional $62 million over five years for municipalities and committed to covering extra policing costs to combat rising retail theft. Glen Simard, Manitoba's minister for municipal and northern relations, reiterated the government's readiness to engage with Winnipeg officials to address their financial needs but remained vague when the subject of potential approval for new municipal taxes was brought up, suggesting a collaborative approach to tackle these issues. This complex situation hints at a critical juncture for Winnipeg as its leadership contemplates potential new revenue mechanisms while navigating the political landscape with the provincial government. The outcomes of further discussions with the NDP, coupled with resident sentiment captured in the poll, could ultimately shape the city’s future financial strategies and service delivery capabilities.