In a move that will prove to be unpopular with motorists the Executive Policy Committee voted to approve an additional $.50 per hour increase to on-street parking rates across the city on top of the $1.00 per hour rate already approved.
In a nutshell that means at metres where you currently pay $1.00 per hour to park the rate will increase to $2.50 or if you prefer percentages that is a 150% increase. For metres that charge $2.00 per hour, the new rate would be $3.50 per hour.
According to the mayor, the increase will allow the city to put an additional $1 million into Winnipeg Transit’s coffers and would eliminate the need for any transit cuts.
RELATED | Mayor says transit route and job cuts may be necessary due to loss of provincial funding
“This has been a very challenging budget,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Over the last fifteen days, we have received a significant amount of feedback on the 2018 preliminary budget and have done a lot of listening. We heard many different spending requests, and many opinions on what should and should not be a funding priority next year. The amendments being proposed are not only a reflection of what we heard but also a reflection of what is feasible within the confines of a balanced budget.”
Transit cuts were first proposed a few weeks ago when, according to the city, the province unilaterally froze a long-term funding agreement to share Winnipeg Transit operating costs to 2016 levels. Shortly afterwards the city received word from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority that funding for ambulances in the city would also be frozen at 2016 levels.
RELATED | Mayor upset over provincial funding cut to ambulances in Winnipeg
The 2018 budget with amendments approved by EPC will go before full council at a special meeting on December 12, 2017.
-Staff-
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