Manitoba's Premier has promised an increase in funding to municipalities.
Speaking at the annual fall convention of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Wab Kinew told delegates that his government is creating the One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund. Kinew says it is worth $62 million over the next five years, in what he calls a historic commitment to municipalities across the province.
"Last year, our government promised to treat municipalities like the true partners that they are and to respect the pressures they are under after years of freezes," says Kinew. "This year, we're establishing a new fund to provide extra support for programs now and into the future. Together, we're giving Manitobans reasons to hope with a plan that makes life better across our province."
According to a provincial news release, Budget 2024 provided $221 million in unconditional funding to all municipalities. Kinew says this included a two per cent escalator to the Municipal Operating Grant to help municipalities address rising cost pressures after years of funding freezes worth $4.4 million.
"True collaboration is about recognizing the challenges of our municipal partners and coming forward with real support to meet those challenges," says Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. "Our new growth revenue fund is focused on helping municipalities deliver for their communities and continuing to offer the quality services Manitobans expect. We've got your back."
The Premier says the new growth revenue fund will be in addition to the operating grant. Kinew says when combined, this increase to municipal funding is equivalent to 7.6 per cent, a $16.8 million guaranteed increase in operating funding for the next year.