Winnipeg Council Moves $18M to Rainy Day Fund

Winnipeg city council has approved the transfer of over $18 million in unspent infrastructure funding to the fiscal stabilization reserve. This decision, which needed a two-thirds majority, passed with a 14-1 vote. The funds originated from the accelerated regional street renewal program.

Mayor Scott Gillingham has indicated a willingness to consider changes to the city's reserve fund requirements, which currently stand at six percent of the operating budget. He noted potential advantages in reducing the pressure to maintain a large balance, while also acknowledging the crucial role the reserve fund played in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Separately, Mayor Gillingham addressed concerns regarding downtown safety and service coordination. He advised residents to use 911 for emergencies and 211 for social services, also recommending the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) app for specific downtown issues. This guidance follows an increase in reported crimes along Portage Avenue.

Additionally, the article touches upon the strain on emergency services, with firefighters and paramedics responding to approximately 27 overdose-related calls daily. The city is supporting efforts to establish a 72-hour detox detention centre, and a report on a potential fourth emergency service for mental health calls is anticipated by the end of June. The outgoing Fire Paramedic Service Chief also highlighted the need for future expansion of emergency service infrastructure to accommodate Winnipeg's growth.