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City of Winnipeg launches review of development plan

September 29, 2017 – The City of Winnipeg has identified budget constraints and a need for new revenue sources in its discussion on how it can meet citizen demand for improved streets and roads, in opening consultations for updating its development plan.

This week, a number of community groups and associations were called to the discussion session for updating the document, called OurWinnipeg. The MHCA was represented by association president Chris Lorenc.

The city, within its discussion papers, noted that while surveys continue to see Winnipeggers ranking infrastructure – specifically, the condition of roads and streets – as the No. 1 “quality of life” priority, it also seeks to respond to the demand for other forms of transportation beyond cars, such as cycling, walking and mass transit.

“We have a $2.2-plus billion infrastructure deficit over the next 10 years, mostly related to road projects,” the paper said. “Using current funding sources, a significant additional amount per capita in tax-support would be required to fully absorb the projected transportation-related infrastructure deficit over the next 10 years.
“Therefore, moving forward, the City faces a number of critical decisions with respect to the ongoing transportation needs, choices, and costs for a growing population.”

Lorenc said that the City of Winnipeg can only meet the challenge of future infrastructure needs – especially with regard to trade-enabling infrastructure, and growing demands from a rising population – through a regional approach. The Capital Region will grow to more than one million in population over the next 15 to 20 years.

“Such an approach serves Winnipeggers because it creates a region that, in pulling together a variety of strengths, can compete across North America to attract new businesses,” he said.

Lorenc stressed that Winnipeg city hall needs to release an update of its infrastructure investment deficit, last published in 2011 and based on 2009 dollars. The infrastructure investment deficit describes what it would cost to bring its current assets to good condition and to build the infrastructure that is required in the next 10 to 20 years.

The OurWinnipeg review is expected to take two years.