MHCA Vice-President, Felicia Wiltshire, had the opportunity to appear before City of Winnipeg Public Works Standing Policy Committee and Executive Policy Committee to provide commentary on their 2026 Preliminary Budget. Wiltshire also highlighted several areas that we believe are important for the future of Winnipeg’s infrastructure along with the City’s economic competitiveness.
Budget 2026 contained preliminary funding to begin land acquisition for the future expansion of Chief Peguis Trail and Route 90 expansion. While we would like to see these projects move forward more quickly, these funding commitments signal a step in the right direction as these are more than just local road improvements but are key components to our national trade routes.
Budget 2026 also included funding in the six-year capital program for major road rehabilitation work, including the Louise Bridge, the Lagimodiere overpasses, and other road safety improvements as part of a $1.1 billion road renewal plan. However, not all of this funding goes directly to construction but will also support design work, land acquisition, and other components of delivering these projects. We are eager to see more details on this funding so we can understand how much of this investment will ultimately reach the construction industry and translate into on-the-ground work.
And finally, we raised concerns about the property tax funding increase that is dedicated to local and regional streets. While it is encouraging that the City continues to dedicate 1% of the increase towards local and regional streets, the funding pot has become increasingly diluted over the years – now being allocated to bridges, sidewalks, and even tree replacement, shifting away from the intention of the original policy, which will lead to fewer road projects being completed.
