Winnipeg Minute: Issue 63

Winnipeg Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Winnipeg politics

📅 This Week In Winnipeg: 📅

• The Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and Environment will meet on Monday at 9:30 am to discuss the City’s Building Emissions Reduction Strategy. The Strategy outlines a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from City-owned buildings to net-zero by 2050. Municipal buildings made up 21% of the City of Winnipeg’s emissions in 2022, prompting a focus on energy audits, retrofits, and improved building operations. The strategy prioritizes assessing building performance, upgrading systems like HVAC and lighting, and using data to target the most impactful projects. Estimated costs total over $6 million for initial initiatives and more than $35 million for specific retrofits at major sites such as the Police Headquarters and Pan Am Pool. The first year of the program, in 2026, would require $39.3 million in capital and debt, with additional costs projected through 2030. Annual savings could exceed $900,000, though these are not included in formal projections due to utility rate uncertainties. Funding would come from a mix of municipal budgets and external grants, but the strategy’s future depends on Council approval during the 2026 budget process.
  
  
• Winnipeg has unveiled its Transportation 2050 plan, a long-term strategy proposing $4.3 billion in transportation investments over the next 25 years. The plan aims to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by promoting public transit and active transportation, while also reinforcing Winnipeg’s role as a hub for goods movement. Key proposals include autonomous bus testing, dedicated truck lanes, secure bike parking, and reducing arterial road parking. The strategy also identifies major infrastructure needs, such as bridge replacements and the expansion of key trade routes like Kenaston Boulevard and Chief Peguis Trail. Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the link between economic growth and transportation investments, calling for more support from higher levels of government. Downtown changes include reimagining Graham Avenue for pedestrians and cyclists after transit is shifted to Portage Avenue. Additionally, the City released a final plan for improving Marion Street, which includes $133 million in upgrades and the acquisition of dozens of properties. The Standing Policy Committee on Public Works will discuss the plan on Thursday at 9:30 am.
  
  
• ​​Winnipeg’s pilot project to address derelict and burned-out properties more quickly may soon become a permanent City program. Launched last year, the Unsafe Conditions Response Team has significantly improved response times, conducting initial inspections within a day and following up with property owners within a week. The team, composed of existing bylaw officers and building inspectors, currently operates without dedicated funding and could be disbanded if staff are needed elsewhere. A report going to the property and development committee on June 11 recommends hiring three temporary full-time staff for the rest of the year and securing long-term funding of $1.1 million over four years starting in 2026. Local community leaders, including from the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association, have voiced strong support for the program due to its impact on improving neighbourhood conditions. The team has already referred 79 problem properties for remediation, with nearly half already addressed. Both Councillor Evan Duncan and Mayor Scott Gillingham back the proposal to make the team permanent. Final approval would require a council vote and funding through the next City budget.
  
  
• The City is projecting an $18.9 million deficit for 2025, representing about 1.3% of its operating budget. The shortfall is attributed to higher overtime costs in the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, underperformance on police expense management targets, and lower revenue from permit fees. Despite the projected deficit, the City expects to cover the gap using its fiscal stabilization reserve, which currently holds $21.5 million. The fire-paramedic service exceeded its budget by $6.5 million, though some of that was offset by Shared Health funding. The police service fell short of its $5.1 million savings goal, with overtime from public events and equipment costs adding pressure. The property and development department is also over budget by $5.4 million due to reduced permit income. However, lower-than-expected snowfall led to snow-clearing savings of $5.6 million. While such early-year deficits are common, they can improve in later financial updates - let’s hope that happens!
  
  
• The City is seeking public input on the draft design for the new Bonavista Recreation Centre, planned for southeast Winnipeg. The 20,000-square-foot facility will include a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, and outdoor park features. Residents can attend an open house on June 18th or complete an online survey until June 30th to share feedback. The project’s estimated cost is $15 million, with construction potentially starting in 2026 pending further approvals and funding.
  
  
• Council approved major zoning reforms that will allow more housing density across the city. Property owners can now build up to four units on any residential lot, and up to four-storey buildings within 800 metres of frequent transit, without requiring a public hearing if design standards are met. The reforms are intended to speed up housing construction and help the city qualify for $450 million in federal housing and infrastructure funding. Supporters say the new rules will provide more options for families, seniors, and young workers while critics argue the changes reduce public input on neighbourhood development. Mayor Scott Gillingham defended the move as necessary to increase housing supply and affordability. The reforms stem from a 2023 agreement to access $122.4 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Similar zoning changes have been implemented in cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, and Halifax.

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