City Hall, 510 Main Street (FILE)
Winnipeg’s 2026 budget proposes a 3.5 percent property tax hike next year, but it’s smaller than originally thought.
Mayor Scott Gillingham and finance chair Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) unveiled the preliminary budget on Friday.
“Winnipeg is growing, and this budget makes the investments needed to support that growth while protecting affordability for residents,” said Gillingham.
“We’re prioritizing infrastructure that drives economic opportunity, strengthening frontline services, and managing our finances responsibly so we can keep delivering the services people count on every day.”
The proposed property tax increase returns to the rate set in the city’s original multi-year budget. City officials note this remains among the lowest property tax increases planned in major Canadian cities. Water and sewer fees will also rise, though at significantly reduced levels compared to previous projections: 2.8 percent in 2026 and 4.2 percent in 2027– far below the original proposal of 28.5 percent and 17.3 percent, respectively.
The budget also calls for the hiring of additional firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, along with expanded late-night transit service across 21 routes and zones.
The public can provide feedback on the preliminary 2026 budget until November 30. Public meetings to hear delegations and consider changes to the preliminary budget begin on December 1, with city council to consider the budget update on December 17.
