The Manitoba government has announced its creating the One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund worth $62 million over the next five years to municipalities across the province. The fund is intended to support key services.
At the annual fall meeting of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Premier Wab Kinew said, “Last year, our government promised to treat municipalities like the true partners that they are and to respect the pressures they are under after years of freezes. This year, we’re establishing a new fund to provide extra support for programs now and into the future. Together, we’re giving Manitobans reasons to hope with a plan that makes life better across our province.”
Budget 2024 provided $221 million in unconditional funding to all municipalities, including a two per cent escalator to the Municipal Operating Grant to help municipalities address rising cost pressures after years of funding freezes worth $4.4 million, the premier noted.
“True collaboration is about recognizing the challenges of our municipal partners and coming forward with real support to meet those challenges,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Our new growth revenue fund is focused on helping municipalities deliver for their communities and continuing to offer the quality services Manitobans expect. We’ve got your back.”
The new growth revenue fund will be in addition to the operating grant. When combined, this increase to municipal funding is equivalent to 7.6 per cent, a $16.8 million guaranteed increase in operating funding for the next year, the premier noted.
