The Manitoba government is investing an additional $7.5 million to support the City of Winnipeg with road reconstruction, rehabilitation and preservation projects, including road repair, Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith announced today.

“Manitoba's winter and spring weather conditions are harsh and hard on our roads,” said Smith. “This year we have seen potholes around the city of Winnipeg and an increase in costs to the city. That is why our government is providing an additional $7.5 million to the City of Winnipeg for road and pothole repair. This is in addition to the recent historic increase in operating funding from the Manitoba government.”

The minister noted this funding is incremental to previously increased operating and capital funding provided through the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund, Manitoba’s basket funding model.

“Roads move Winnipeg’s economy and by investing in better maintenance we are also investing in our city’s future,” said Deputy Mayor Janice Lukes, City of Winnipeg. “We know the freeze-thaw cycle in the spring can wreak havoc on our roads and cost drivers money, so we appreciate this additional funding from our provincial partners. We need to be working in a collaborative way that delivers results for Winnipeggers.”

The funding will support costs related to road infrastructure improvements, including accessing repair materials and supplies, and contracting services.

“This additional funding comes at a time when our roads will show their wear and tear and allows construction crews to start work early, to prevent further surface decay and mitigate damage to vehicles,” said Chris Lorenc, president and CEO, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.

The Manitoba government provides comprehensive funding support to all 137 municipalities to address operating and capital priorities critical to maintaining healthy, sustainable communities through the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund.

Earlier this year, the Manitoba government announced $23.4 million, or 17 per cent increase, in infrastructure funding to all municipalities by increasing the municipal strategic infrastructure basket to $160 million from $137 million in the 2023 municipal fiscal year.

In addition, the municipal operating funding basket available to all municipalities was increased by $47 million, or 28 per cent, to $217 million. This increased base funding will support municipal budgets for the 2023 fiscal year and beyond, the minister noted, adding the Manitoba government looks forward to discussions with municipal stakeholders to explore the basis for a funding escalator to assist municipalities in long-term fiscal planning.