Winnipeg homeowners could be forced to dig deeper in their wallets to pay for the next phase of bus rapid transit.
A report says to fund the city's share of the $590 million dollar project, property taxes and bus fares could be hiked.
But Mayor Sam Katz insists the city can get the money without increasing anything.
"That's exactly what we're doing referring to the budget and we'll find the money," said Katz.
The dedicated bus corridor from Jubilee Avenue to the University of Manitoba is being cost shared by all three levels of government.
Jubilee will be widened as part of the project but major drainage work that was part of plan will now be funded separately.
The rapid transit plan could hit a hurdle at council, however.
Councillor Jeff Browaty said he plans to bring a motion to delay a vote on the project. Instead, he wants the issue put on the October ballot as a referendum.
"It's such a massive project, it's a massive amount of money it's bigger than any of the other capital projects we've dealt with for many, many years in the city," said Browaty.
The report does outline the benefits of the rapid transit extension, saying it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut down on traffic congestion and improve travel times for bus riders.
If the project moves ahead, construction is scheduled to end in 2019 with service beginning in 2020.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
