The City of Winnipeg released details on of the first areas slated for upgrades under an overhauled street renewal program.
Last week, the city announced a property tax hike and promised to dedicate a portion of the money to repair crumbling roads.
A percentage point of the property tax increase will go directly to the street renewal fund.
“We are in a crisis situation when it comes to our infrastructure deficit,” said Mayor Sam Katz. The city announced 20 per cent of city streets are in poor condition.
Officials announced Jan. 17 that a section of Sutherland Avenue will be repaired.
The section is about 210 metres long.
Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) said that a block of a Sutherland Avenue from Higgins Avenue to Stephens Street will be a new priority in 2013.
“We’re going to make small increments now, but as the plan goes along, it will go much better,” said Eadie.
A member of the mayor’s inner circle said the road plan is too small.
“I think it’s very small compared to what we need,” said Coun. Paula Havixbeck (Charleswood – Tuxedo).
“It’s not a really well thought out plan,” she said.
The city has also earmarked two other streets, portions of Leila Avenue and Magnus Avenue, in the initial plan for future repairs using funds from the tax hike.
Habixbeck worries the tax money won’t get distributed evenly across the city, because there is a greater need in wards such as Eadie’s and more streets could get fixed there and in older neighbourhoods.
The city’s proposed 2013 budget is calling for $14 million of new investments for Winnipeg streets. That will mean an increase by 66 per cent to $35.86 million in 2013, up from $21.65 million in 2012, said the city.
