Hikes coming to Winnipeg property taxes, parking and transit

The City of Winnipeg has revealed its budget for 2018 and it comes a deeper dig in to Winnipeggers’ pockets.

On Wednesday Winnipeg unveiled its preliminary budget for 2018 and it includes a property tax increase, hikes to on-street parking, as well as a transit fare increase.

Mayor Brian Bowman called it one of the most difficult budgets he’s faced in his first term in office.

“Demands on this year’s budget were incredibly high,” Bowman said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Demands on this year's budget were incredibly high," Bowman said.

Bowman campaigned on a promise to limit property tax hikes to the rate of inflation, and in 2018 is sticking to that increase, adding another $38 to the bill of an average home.

Winnipeg Transit

But after spending the past three years pushing a transit agenda, the Mayor said the city has no choice but to make cuts to transit.

The 2018 budget proposes the elimination or reduction on services to as many as 23 routes, as well as a 25 cent fare hike.

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READ MORE: Winnipeg Transit rates on the rise, routes possibly cut: City of Winnipeg budget

“I’m not happy to be delivering a budget that proposes a 25 cent increase,” Bowman said.

“I wish we didn’t have to increase fares beyond a five cent increase.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I wish we didn't have to increase fares beyond a five cent increase."

RELATED: City looking at adding Wi-Fi on Winnipeg Transit buses

Bowman has already said the province’s decision to freeze funding to Winnipeg transit to current levels would impact transit decisions.

Parking

As of April 1, 2018 it’ll cost more to use metered parking on city streets.

On-street metered parking will increase by $1 per hour, a change that is expected to bring in $2.7 million of revenue for the city.

The discount once offered to drivers who were ticketed when their meter expired are also changing. The budget proposes dropping the discount for drivers who pay tickets on time from 50 per cent to 25 percent.

Roads

Roads will also see a record investment.  With a proposed plan to spend $116 million on road renewal next year. $105 was budgeted for 2017.

Water, Sewer, Garbage

While there won’t be another increase to water and sewer dividend rates or recycling fees, Winnipeggers will have to pay more if they plan to head over to the Brady Landfill.

As of March 1, 2018 the minimum tipping fee that is currently between $1-$6 per tonne will jump up to $10-$15 per tonne.

RELATED: Winnipeg city councillors debate water rate hike

Rate hikes to water were already approved in 2016.