WINNIPEG — Mayor Brian Bowman is set to release his third draft 2017 operating and capital budget Tuesday.
Bowman and councillors on his executive policy committee (EPC) are releasing the documents at a special EPC meeting.
What is expected to come out of the budget?
Property tax
Property taxes are expected to climb 2.33 per cent to pay for infrastructure projects. Almost half of that will go into regional streets, and the rest will be used for rapid transit.
RELATED: City’s past property tax hikes
The average homeowner can expect to pay $38 a year more in property tax.
The taxes are rising at the rate of inflation, which is a campaign promise Bowman ran on in 2014.
Sources tell Global news there are no new frontage levy fees or other fees.
Portage and Main
The re-opening of Portage Avenue and Main Street could be a main topic in the city budget Tuesday.
Bowman campaigned on the promise to open the downtown intersection to pedestrians. He also wants it re-open for the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg this summer.
The famous intersection has been closed to foot traffic for 37 years, part of a 40 year contract signed when shop owners agreed to move underground.
Growth fees
The new growth fees on housing developments kick in this May, but will only raise $7-10 million and in this proposed budget. A source tells Global News the extra funds will not be relied on to balance the books.
RELATED: Growth fees passed at City Hall
Starting May 1, 2017, approximately $9,000 will be added to the cost any new home in suburban neighborhoods on the outer edges of the city.
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