Two Winnipeg city councillors say a property tax hike is required for safety patrols and youth drop-in centres in order to prevent crime.
Coun. Ross Eadie and Coun. Jason Schreyer want the city to provide grants to non-profits that offer programs helping with crime prevention.
They're asking the city's administration to estimate the costs to cover safety strategies, safety patrols and 24/7 youth drop-in centres using a property tax increase.
The councillors tabled a motion that said a half percent tax hike would raise $2.75-million, which is more than enough for the initiatives.
“It would go every year into an account and be distributed for neighbourhood community safety initiatives," said Eadie.
The motion also said volunteer based safety patrols are unsustainable in various neighbourhoods and drop in facilities cost around $350,000 a year.
The city’s protection committee will consider the motion.
