Manitoba promises funding to help cover transit losses

The Manitoba government is allocating over $34 million over two years to help alleviate transit operating shortfalls related to reduced ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to address affordable housing supply and density, Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today.

“Our government is pleased to support municipal transit systems in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Flin Flon continue to take measures to recover from economic shortfalls experienced due to reduced ridership during the pandemic,” said Clarke. “Our funding immediately leverages and enhances $20.7 million in federal funding, which flowed to the province earlier this year. As part of the federal agreement, the Manitoba government is also committed to work with municipalities towards the shared priorities of improving housing supply and affordability for Manitobans that can, together with transit, improve the ability of Manitobans to live affordably.”

Up to $13.4 million will be allocated in Budget 2023, the minister noted.

The Manitoba government currently provides a $172-million municipal operating basket grant to municipalities to allocate to priorities that include transit and significant support for housing supply across Manitoba and has committed to supporting significant transit infrastructure upgrades as part of the City of Winnipeg’s long-term planning.