Winnipeg Councillors Express Disappointment Over Provincial Funding Cuts

Two councillors in Winnipeg have voiced their dissatisfaction after the provincial government declined to provide anticipated funding, affecting several city projects. The announcement came as a surprise, with Coun. Jeff Browaty highlighting that the city had planned to utilize approximately $5.5 million in provincial strategic infrastructure funding for the year 2026.

On December 2, 2025, the province informed the city that it would not approve funding for key initiatives, including $2.5 million for a spray pad program and $2.5 million for road safety improvements, as detailed in a city finance report. Additionally, funding for the Waverley West Fire station was reduced by $520,000, bringing the total allocation down to $2 million.

Coun. Browaty, who serves as the finance chairman, expressed disappointment over the delayed communication regarding funding decisions. “Normally, we’ll hear right away if that’s approved or not, and we can make some decisions fairly quickly,” he stated. “We didn’t hear until December 2025 that the province actually had some different priorities.”

The province has suggested that the city redirect funds towards projects such as the $5 million Assiniboine Park Conservancy Animal Health Centre and $520,000 for the restoration of the St. Boniface Museum. Browaty noted that the province’s preferred projects were not included in the city’s budget, creating uncertainty for some initiatives that may have already commenced. City officials are expected to present a report next month outlining the consequences of these funding changes and potential solutions.

Coun. Janice Lukes of Waverley West echoed Browaty’s concerns, specifically regarding the province’s climate change strategy released in October. She lamented the lack of increased funding for Winnipeg Transit, stating, “Every city across Canada is feeling a real hit on their transit networks. We want to deliver a good transit system.” Lukes emphasized the necessity of improving public transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stating that investment in transit is critical for the city’s economy.

Mayor Scott Gillingham commented on the broader context of provincial funding, indicating that collaboration between the city and province is essential for addressing major projects. “I’m looking at the overall funding the province gives us and finding those ways where we can identify the shared priorities,” he said, highlighting the importance of the North End sewage treatment plant upgrade as a common goal.

The province’s approach to funding allocations has been characterized by Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes as a commitment to public transportation. In an email, Moyes noted, “The Province of Manitoba remains committed to working with municipalities to expand public and regional transit systems, including converting to zero-emission buses.”

Additionally, a spokesperson for Municipal Relations Minister Glen Simard stated that the province is dedicated to collaborating with Winnipeg on shared priorities. In conjunction with the strategic infrastructure funding, the province also allocates $6.9 million in “One Manitoba” funding, which the municipal government can utilize at its discretion.

The ongoing discussions reflect the complexities of municipal funding and the necessity for transparent communication between local and provincial governments. As Winnipeg navigates these challenges, officials remain focused on finding solutions that will benefit the city’s residents.