Most notably, the provincial government has ended the seven-year freeze on municipal operating funding with the provision of an additional $47 million ($170M to $217M) as well as a $23.4 million increase ($137M to $160.4M) to the Strategic Infrastructure basket. These amounts will become the new funding baseline for local governments.
"Firstly, I commend the provincial government for listening to the concerns raised by our association and members about the importance of investing in communities to help build a stronger Manitoba,” stated AMM President Kam Blight. "As inflation has significantly impacted municipal budgets over the last seven years and municipalities are not permitted to run deficits, the additional $47 million to the municipal operating funding basket provides a timely infusion to local Councils who are finalizing their budgets for the coming year."
The $23.4 million increase to the Strategic infrastructure basket will also significantly help municipalities pursue growth opportunities and move shovel-ready projects forward in communities to address local priorities, namely those related to water and wastewater infrastructure, road and bridge renewal, and recreation projects.
In the coming weeks and months, the AMM is committed to working with the provincial government to discuss future grant levels and distribution mechanisms, including the need for a funding escalator to assist municipalities with long-term fiscal planning.
“Investments in municipalities translates into a stronger Manitoba,” added President Blight. “We are very pleased with this renewed funding support under Budget 2023 and look forward to future discussions aimed at developing a long-term, predictable funding model to support all municipalities.”
