By Sarah Klein
City Hall, 510 Main Street (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Residents will shell out more in property tax this after the City of Winnipeg released its 2013 capital and operating budgets on Wednesday.
The city has put forward an increase of 3.87%, which works out to about $57 annually for the average citizen based on a $233,000 home. One percentage point of the increase will go to fund street renewal projects, which is expected to bring in $4.5 million.
“Winnipeggers have told us time and time again that one of their priorities is the condition of our streets, back lanes and sidewalks,” Mayor Sam Katz said. “This budget sets out a long-term plan for renewal and, by dedicating funds to streets each year, we are taking an important step in battling the City of Winnipeg’s ongoing infrastructure crisis.”
Finance Chair Russ Wyatt called the move “historic,” saying, “For the first time ever, we are dedicating a fund for the renewal of neighbourhood streets, back lanes and sidewalks.”
It’s the second year in a row the city has raised property taxes to support the growing costs of civic services.
For a breakdown of this year’s budget, visit Winnipeg.ca.
