Loney Releases Fiscally Responsible Tax Plan and Fully Costed Platform
Calls out Gillingham’s deceptive and regressive tax increase - and Murray for no plan at all
WINNIPEG, MB – Shaun Loney released his fully costed platform today and called on his competitors to do the same.
“My plan is by far the most fiscally responsible,” said Loney referring to his main competitors. “Many of my platform commitments use new and modern financing tools that will stem the need for more spending over time, and I’m not promising any grandiose or unproductive mega projects that would further burden the taxpayer for decades to come.”
“When it comes to very big ticket items like expanding regional roads without a business case to do so, I think Winnipegers have higher priorities. We have plenty of roads to fix before we start adding more,” said Loney.
Loney said he’s intending to recommend a 3.7 percent property tax increase to Council that covers his platform commitments. This rate is slightly less than the five Canadian city average (see backgrounder).
Loney released data showing Scott Gillingham’s tax proposal - which includes both a property tax increase plus a frontage levy increase - adds up to the equivalent of a 7.5 percent property tax hike for an average homeowner. Loney noted that Gillingham's increase, if implemented, would be the largest in recent memory.
“I think Scott is trying to pull a fast one,” said Loney. “People are struggling with inflation, with wages not keeping up, and with rising energy prices - now is not the time to add another regressive tax increase especially in such an inequitable way.”
Loney made the announcement on a section of Beaverbrook near Grosvenor where one side of the street will pay the same amount as the other even though the assessed value is triple. Loney noted that Gillingham’s increase to the frontage levy would further exacerbate widening income disparities.
Loney further called out Mr. Murray for providing no costing. “I’m ready to lead,” said Loney, noting the election is just 15 days away. “Voters deserve to know where the resources are coming from to support his announcements.”
Included in Loney’s platform are previously unannounced initiatives including $20 million for active transportation over the next 4 years, $2 million per annum to protect the urban forest and $1 million a year to support his Reconciliation Action Plan.
Loney said he will work with the government of Manitoba and City Council to see changes in place for 2024 budget including working with industry to introduce a retooled “impact fee” and his intention to introduce a 25 cent a day fee on parking spaces which would be dedicated to transportation infrastructure.
For more information on platform costing click here for the highlights, and here to download a pdf of the full detailed costing.
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BACKGROUNDER
Gillingham’s Tax Increase is Equivalent to 7.45 percent Property Tax Hike
According to the City of Winnipeg’s 2022 Community Trends and Performance Report, the average municipal portion of property tax for Winnipeg homeowners is $1,900 and average frontage levy is $273. Assuming a standard 50 foot lot, Gillingham’s proposed increase of $1.50 in the frontage fee will add $75 / $1,900 = 3.95 percent equivalent property tax increase. Add this to the Councillor’s 3.5 percent property tax increase and the total hike is equivalent to 7.45 percent.
Five Canadian City Average Property Tax Increase is 3.72%
Vancouver 5.7%, Calgary 3.6%, Edmonton 1.9%, Toronto 4.4% and Ottawa 3%
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