Some in Manitoba’s real estate industry worry rising property taxes could drive people away from Winnipeg.
The Manitoba Real Estate Association said homeowners could bolt to bedroom communities where taxes are lower.
"Unfortunately, along with those choices is going to be longer commute times. More impact on the environment. More demand for infrastructure and more duplication of services,” said Lorne Weiss of the Manitoba Real Estate Association.
This week’s city budget saw increases for property taxes, frontage levies, garbage collection and water service.
Facing a $79 million shortfall, Mayor Brian Bowman said the city has no choice but to ask more from taxpayers, but he says there is a return on their investment.
“What you're getting for that is unprecedented level of funding for street repairs - $103 million - a new traffic management system,” said Bowman.
Bowman said the city can't continue to rely on property taxes to fund infrastructure.
He said he will continue his efforts, where other Winnipeg mayors have failed, to pry PST revenue from the province.
