'Difficulties ahead': Mayor raises concerns over next multi-year budget
![Gillingham Gillingham](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2022/11/9/gillingham-1-6146985-1668045364416.jpg)
Winnipeggers are being told to expect tough decisions ahead as the city works on preparing the next multi-year balanced budget.
In a news release Wednesday, Mayor Scott Gillingham and Coun. Jeff Browaty, the chair of the finance committee, said as the 2024-2027 budget is completed, it is important to know there are financial pressures that need to be dealt with.
"Inflation has led to increased costs across the board, from infrastructure projects to basic services," Browaty said in the release.
Those tough decisions are being spurred on by four key factors according to the city – inflation, labour costs, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and tax comparisons and commitment to reasonable taxation.
"We understand the difficulties ahead and the impact of these decisions on our citizens," said Gillingham.
Looking at inflation, the city is saying police vehicles, snow clearing contracts, vehicle rental costs and chemicals for water treatment, to name a few, have all skyrocketed in price.
As well, the city points to new contracts for several groups, such as CUPE and MGEU, as "necessary but challenging commitments" for labour costs.
"While we value our workforce and their critical role in our city, the increase in labour costs adds an additional demand on our budget," said Browaty.
Gillingham also points out the city continues to deal with the financial impacts of COVID-19 - $240 million in unexpected costs during the pandemic.
"This has stretched our ability to invest in new projects without substantial financial implications," said Gillingham.
Lastly, the mayor pointed to a lower proposed property tax hike compared to other major hubs in the country, meaning less revenue coming into the city.
Gillingham has promised a 3.5 per cent increase, while other cities range from 9.7 per cent in Halifax to 6.04 per cent in Saskatoon.
"We remain committed to maintaining essential services and making strategic new investments, but we must also be realistic about our fiscal limitations."
No date has officially been set for when the multi-year budget will be shared.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6968186.1721272613!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
JD Vance introduces himself as Trump's running mate and makes direct appeal to his native Rust Belt
Introducing himself to the nation after being tapped as Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance used his Wednesday night address to the Republican National Convention to share the story of his hardscrabble upbringing and make the case that his party best understands the challenges facing struggling Americans.
Two deaths in listeriosis outbreak linked to plant-based milk recall
Two people have died after an outbreak of listeriosis trigged a national recall of certain plant-based milks, the Public Health Agency of Canada said Wednesday.
Quebec filmmaker denied replacement hand after airplane propeller accident
The War Amps is speaking out after one of its members who lost most of his hand in an airplane propeller accident was denied coverage by Quebec for a mechanical hand.
Video shows B.C. grizzly basking in clawfoot tub
A donated clawfoot bathtub has become the preferred lounging spot for a pair of B.C. grizzly bears, who have been taking turns relaxing and reclining in it – with minimal sibling squabbling – for the past year.
John Deere ends support of 'social or cultural awareness' events, distances from inclusion efforts
Farm equipment maker John Deere says it will no longer sponsor 'social or cultural awareness' events, becoming the latest major U.S. company to distance itself from diversity and inclusion measures after being targeted by conservative backlash.
Rare photos reveal uncontacted tribe in Peruvian Amazon as loggers move in
Rare images of the Mashco Piro, an uncontacted Indigenous tribe in the remote Peruvian Amazon, were published on Tuesday by Survival International,
'I feel like he did not die in vain': Family responds to report on tortured B.C. boy's death
The heartbreak over the death of an Indigenous 11-year-old Fraser Valley boy, tortured and then ultimately killed by his foster parents, was felt by all who knew him.
Biden tests positive for COVID, will self-isolate in Delaware
U.S. President Joe Biden, under pressure from fellow Democrats to drop his re-election campaign, tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday and is self-isolating after experiencing mild symptoms, the White House said.
Day three of the RNC: Trump made an appearance, JD Vance addressed the crowd
The third day of the Republican National Convention was underway in Milwaukee on Wednesday evening, with speakers including Donald Trump's newly selected vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, as well as the former U.S. president's son, Donald Trump Jr.