Winnipeg approves 2025 budget

Winnipeg City Hall is pictured in December 2024. (File Image)

Winnipeg’s city council has approved its 2025 budget, which includes a 5.95 per cent property tax increase.

During a special meeting of council on Wednesday, members passed the operating and capital budget.

Along with the property tax hike, the budget includes more cops on the street and $17 million for the decommissioning of the Arlington Bridge.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Councillors Russ Wyatt and John Orlikow attempted to bring forward a new motion that would increase Winnipeg’s coffers by raising business taxes.

Mayor Scott Gillingham described this motion as irresponsible, especially as businesses face the threat of tariffs.

“Our businesses are already paying more because they’re going to pay more through the property tax increase,” he said.

The operating budget passed by a vote of 11-5, while the capital budget passed with a vote of 10-6.

• With files from CTV’s Taylor Brock.