Mayor says levy, they say tax

Katz insists freeze in place while adding $34 M in fees, charges, fines

By: Bartley Kives

Winnipeg Free Press

March 23, 2011

Mayor Sam Katz stuck by his contention taxes aren't increasing in Winnipeg this year after council approved a spending plan that included at least $34 million worth of additional charges, fines and fees.

City council voted 10-6 on Tuesday to approve the 2011 operating budget, an $848-million blueprint for spending on city services ranging from policing to pest control to snow removal.

The operating budget rose $30 million over 2010, mainly because of the increased cost of providing emergency services and paying for other worker salaries.

To cover the additional costs, the city will transfer $17.1 million worth of profits from the water and waste department, collect $14.4 million worth of higher frontage levies from property owners, mete out $1.5 million in additional traffic fines and raise recreation fees by $900,000.

Katz, who ran for re-election last fall on a pledge to balance the budget without raising property taxes, said the city had to take a balanced approach to locating the additional revenue.

"We have serious issues to address and I think that's exactly what we're doing in this operating budget," the mayor told reporters after the three-hour special meeting.

The additional fees, fines and charges need not have come all at once, argued Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt, one of six councillors who voted against the budget.

"If we had a modest property-tax increase three years ago, we wouldn't be in this position today," said Wyatt, who tried and failed to amend the budget.

He wanted to replace $15.3 million in increased frontage levies and recreation fees by raising the same revenue with a 3.75 per cent property-tax hike instead. The amendment was defeated by an 11-5 vote.

Katz defended all of the new fees. The mayor said increased frontage levies will reduce sprawl by promoting urban density and repeated his contention the money generated from the hike will support infrastructure renewal. Budget documents show that is not the case. Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi called the move "a deceitful manoeuvre" and accused Katz of hypocrisy, noting his opposition to tax increases during the election campaign.

St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel accused opposition councillors of splitting hairs with arguments about what constitutes levies, fees and taxes.

"It's not just semantics, it's the truth," countered Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan. "A frontage levy is a property tax."

As for recreation fees, Katz said even with the hike they still only cover 53 per cent of the cost of delivering leisure services. An adult will only spend an additional $1.55 to play hockey at a city rink this year, which is less than the cost of a beer, the mayor said.

But Katz sidestepped a question about the prudence of raiding utility revenues while water and sewer rates increase, noting the province has yet to back off a scientifically contentious plan to force the city to build a $365-million nitrogen-removal facility at the North End Water Pollution Control Centre.

Water-and-sewer rates have already risen to take that project into account, giving the city room to breathe, council finance chairman Scott Fielding (St. James) has said.

Council will sit again today, this time for a regular meeting.

Tuesday's council vote

Operating budget: In a special meeting, council voted 10-6 to approve the city's $848-million spending plan for 2011. Couns. Ross Eadie (Mynarski), Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge), John Orlikow (River Heights), Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas), Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre) and Russ Wyatt (Transcona) voted in opposition.

Frontage levy, user fees OK'd

By Paul Turenne, Winnipeg Sun

March 22, 2011

Winnipeg’s frontage levy, recreational user fees and unsuccessful property assessment appeals will all be increasing in cost thanks to council’s approval of the city’s 2011 budget, which councillors passed Tuesday.

The nearly $848-million spending blueprint outlines how council plans to spend taxpayers’ money this year, as well as how it plans to manage taxes and fees in order to bring that money in to begin with.

Most of Tuesday’s debate focused on the latter specifically whether it would be better for the city to raise the basic property tax mill rate or approve an increase to the frontage levy of $1.20 per foot of yard frontage, something many councillors argued was a property tax increase by another name.

Mayor Sam Katz and finance chair Coun. Scott Fielding have argued all along that the frontage levy is a user fee dedicated to infrastructure repair, not a property tax. But councillors like Mike Pagtakhan, Jenny Gerbasi, Russ Wyatt and others argued Tuesday that if that were true, the street works budget would be increasing by the same amount that’s expected to be generated by the hike in the levy, which isn’t the case.

“It’s just going into the black hole of general revenue to balance this budget,” Pagtakhan said. “This is an equitable tax and I don’t support that.”

Wyatt proposed an amendment Tuesday that would have eliminated both the frontage levy hike and user fee increases, and instead boosted basic property taxes by 3.75%, which he said would have raised the same amount of money.

“I think we should be up-front about it,” he said.

The amendment was defeated.

Katz hinted after the meeting that next year the city’s 14-year property tax freeze might end. “You can’t expect it to last forever. You’ve heard me say that over and over and over again,” said Katz, who promised during last fall’s election to freeze property taxes for at least 2011.

The city also passed a proposal to charge property owners a minimum of $50 to appeal their re-assessment notices. The fee, which can rise up to $500 depending on the value of the property, is meant to deter people from making frivolous appeals and would be returned if the appeal is successful.

How councillors votes on Budget 2011

Students plan cutting-edge climate study

by : Ryan Crocker

winnipegfreepress.com

Sisler High School teacher Greg Shedden and student Melinda Penwarden stand in front of the courtyard where the school’s biosphere will be located.

Students at Sisler High School will soon learn a great deal more about the environment through a unique biosphere project designed to study the effects of global warming.

"It’s really a cutting-edge concept," said teacher Greg Shedden.

"We’re basically going to create a living classroom with native flora and simple fauna. We are going to control the environment in such a way that, over a number of years, we’ll be able to examine the effect of shorter winters on prairie life."

Shedden said that a outdoor courtyard walled in by several sections of the school has already been set aside for the biosphere.

With $685 in support from the city, delivered on March 12 by Coun. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas), Students of Sisler Environmental Helpers intends to hire architects and engineers in order to develop a final plan.

"We may just put a plexi-glass roof above the entire courtyard, we may build a greenhouse within the courtyard. We’ll see," Shedden said.

Melinda Penwarden, a Grade 12 student at the school, is one of approximately 30 members of SOSEH. She has been involved in everything from recycling and composting efforts to organic gardening and an apple orchard planted on school grounds to benefit Winnipeg Harvest.

Penwarden will oversee the biosphere project on behalf of the group.

"I’m very proud to be a member of SOSEH because the environment means a lot to me," she says.

"I believe that if we can alter our ways of living to sustain and respect the environment, then many of the natural disasters occurring today will be reduced. However, if we do not reduce our carbon footprints, I believe the environment will always be in danger of irreversible deterioration."

Penwarden explained there are plans to wire the biosphere with webcams, which will allow the school to share the biosphere with students around the world.

The group is also raising money to install geothermal heating in the school’s gymnasium, which could be used to control environmental conditions in the biosphere.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the project can do so by calling the school at 589-8321.

ryan.crocker@canstarnews.com

Councillors fight for more bike trail cash

winnipegfreepress.com

Two members of Mayor Sam Katz's cabinet plan to take another crack at putting more cash in the city's bike-and-pedestrian kitty at a Tuesday city council meeting that promises to be packed with cyclists and other trail-building activists.

Earlier this week, Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt and Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan annoyed fellow members of council's executive policy committee by voting against the 2009 capital budget, a $476-million blueprint for city infrastructure spending next year.

Wyatt and Pagtakhan voted against Katz and finance chairman Justin Swandel to protest what they felt was insufficient cash for bike trails, sidewalks and other active-transportation corridors in 2009. Katz and Swandel proposed spending $2.75 million on trail creation next year, while Wyatt and Pagtakhan tried to increase that figure to $5.75 million.

The duo will try again to amend the trail budget, this time by asking all members of council at Tuesday's special capital-budget meeting to support a total spending of $4.75 million on trails, sidewalks and other active-transportation corridors next year.

"We can fix part of the problem right now," Wyatt said of the extra $2 million. "Why wait until next year?"

Regardless of what happens, Wyatt and Pagtakhan are promising not to vote against the capital budget, a move that would suggest a lack of confidence in Katz and other EPC members .

The mayor had no choice but to reappoint Pagtakhan to EPC and retain the outspoken Wyatt during an October cabinet shuffle, thanks to Mike O'Shaughnessy's desire to leave the committee and the late Brenda Leipsic's absence from council.

But since EPC functions like a cabinet, a genuine rift between left-leaning and centre-right factions could not be tolerated for long.

"Mike and I, we made our point on Wednesday," Wyatt said. "No one likes to have a gun held to their head."

No matter how council votes, Wyatt and Pagtakhan will have a cheering section on Tuesday. The Winnipeg Trails Association, the Manitoba Cycling Association and Bike To The Future have called on all "cyclists, wannabe cyclists and anyone who uses a sidewalk" to attend the capital budget meeting in an effort to place pressure on council to increase active-transportation funding.

WTA director Janice Lukes intends to present council with a list of 10 projects that could be completed next year with the extra $2 million.

"We're going to compare this city to what other cities are doing now," Lukes said. "What do the people of Winnipeg want to see? Do we want to see a car culture or more active transportation?"

Winnipeg has increased its trail-creation budget significantly during Katz's current term as mayor. The city only devoted $200,000 to trails and sidewalks in 2006, when council adopted the recommendations of a groundbreaking active-transportation study.

PROMOTING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES

Representatives of the Government of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, Resource Conservation Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro today encouraged Manitobans to do their part to address climate change by taking part in the upcoming 2004 Commuter Challenge. Last year, Winnipeg placed first among major Canadian cities in the event.

Energy, Science and Technology Minister Tim Sale and Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau were joined at a pre-event launch today by Liz Dykman, president, board of directors, Resource Conservation Manitoba, Point Douglas Councillor Mike Pagtakhan and Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro.

Resource Conservation Manitoba's fifth annual event, supported with $25,000 from the Province of Manitoba, invites people to park their automobiles and use alternate forms of transportation from May 31 to June 4. Manitobans are encouraged to sign up for the challenge at http://www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/ or by calling 204-925-3772.

"The solution to climate change comes from individual Manitobans who take the responsibility and the challenge of making a difference to our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Sale. "I encourage all Manitobans to contribute to a healthier environment and a better future by taking the commuter challenge."

"Biking, rollerblading and walking are fun ways to match fitness and transportation," said Rondeau. "I join all our partners in this initiative in inviting Manitobans to take the challenge and help themselves to healthier living and a healthier environment."

Last year, commuters from 150 workplaces and schools walked, cycled, carpooled and took transit. That equals about 400,000 green kilometres and prevented an estimated 125 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

"We are proud to be co-ordinating the fifth annual Commuter Challenge," said Dykman. "The event sends a positive message to our community about the environmental, social and economic benefits of adopting alternatives to the single occupant vehicle."

The City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Transit have been partners and active participants in the Commuter Challenge from its beginning. Their combined support of this year's event is equivalent to $30,000 in financial and in-kind contributions.

"The Commuter Challenge is an important event in raising awareness of the importance of creating a safe, convenient and friendly environment that makes commuting using alternative forms of transportation an option for every working person every working day of every year," said Pagtakhan.

Manitoba Hydro has been a planning partner, sponsor and workplace participant in the Commuter Challenge since 2001.

"Our participation in the Commuter Challenge is an important component of Manitoba Hydro's transportation demand management programming," said Brennan. "I am proud to announce that Manitoba Hydro has won gold in the 1,000 plus employee category for the past two years, and we are gearing up to finish in first place again this year."

Recently the Province of Manitoba introduced the Climate Change Community Challenge, a new three-year pilot project to help find solutions to climate change and support local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

New Affordable Housing Project Opens in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, September 7, 2007. The paint is barely dry but tenants have already moved into 1 Flora Place, the brand new affordable housing development in Winnipeg’s Dufferin neighbourhood. The project, which officially opened today, is owned and managed by the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation.

Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh, Kildonan St  Paul MP Joy Smith and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, presided over the grand opening ceremony.

“This project, which will see the replacement of temporary war-time houses with modern homes, is bringing about community renewal for this neighbourhood, which is seeing one of the largest public investments in housing in Winnipeg's North End in the past decade,” said Minister Mackintosh.

 "Canada’s New Government is committed to helping create new affordable housing across Manitoba for those who need it most,” said MP Smith, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We are pleased to be working with our partners to help those individuals and families in Winnipeg who are working towards building a better and stronger future.”

“Flora Place will become a welcome place for people making a home in this wonderful new development,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan. “The city is committed to work with our other government partners to provide safe, new, and affordable housing for citizens living in older neighbourhoods.”

Flora Place features 28 new townhouses, developed in a “cluster” design concept creating a sense of community within the complex. The bungalow-style units have individual entrances, fenced back yards and each unit has its own covered front porch. All units are “visitable” by people with mobility-related issues and four of the units are fully accessible. The project is supported with $3.5 million of funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI).

Flora Place has not only revitalized and strengthened the neighbourhood but also provided affordable housing to the citizens of Winnipeg.

“It took a long time for Flora Place to come together but it finally did and looks great,” said Menno Peters, WHRC General Manager. “The funding assistance from the WHHI allowed us to pool the efforts of many people including WHRC Board and staff to make this project a reality. It has made a difference in the Dufferin neighbourhood.”

The Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC) was founded by an order in Council of the City of Winnipeg in the late 1970's. WHRC is a private non-profit organization that develops and manages affordable housing in Winnipeg. During the last three decades WHRC has developed over 700 housing units for Winnipeg residents. WHRC's housing projects include renovated warehouses, apartment buildings, single family homes, duplexes and triplexes. WHRC focus has been on the revitalization of Winnipeg's inner city neighbourhoods. For more information about WHRC and its programs call 204-949-2880.

WHHI funding is co-ordinated by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods. Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $99 million to repair, rehabilitate, or construct over 4,000 housing units as well as assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

More Than $3.6 Million Provided to Transform Temporary War-Time Houses into Modern, Affordable Housing

WINNIPEG, November 17, 2006. Flora Place, once the temporary home for returning war veterans in Winnipeg's north end, will soon undergo a major redevelopment in order to provide affordable accommodations for low-income households and persons with disabilities, including seniors.

The project is being supported with funding of over $3.6million to the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC) from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI).

The project was officially announced today by Steven Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing; and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Point Douglas Ward and Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee, on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.

"Canada's new government recognizes the importance of affordable housing," said Parliamentary Secretary Fletcher. "Every Canadian deserves a safe, affordable place to call home and we are pleased to be working with our partners to extend a helping hand to those who need it most in Winnipeg, including seniors and persons with disabilities."

"As one of the largest public housing investment in Winnipeg's North End in the past decade, this development is a real boost to community revitalization efforts," said Minister Mackintosh. "Replacing what was intended as only temporary war-time houses with modern homes signals a new era for the neighbourhood."

"When complete, Flora Place will offer new and affordable housing choices for citizens on limited incomes," said Councillor Pagtakhan. "It benefits the city overall, and strengthens individual neighbourhoods, when we can provide housing options which meet the needs of all of our citizens."

The total estimated project cost is $4.4million. Financial support includes close to $3 million, including $2.94 million from the New Rental Supply Program from the governments of Canada and Manitoba and the cost-shared Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative. In addition, the City of Winnipeg is providing $605,000 from its housing initiative that includes the assessed value of the property and associated demolition costs. The balance of the funds are from private financing.

The project involves the construction of 28 new one-story townhouse units and the complete redevelopment of a 2.05 acre residential site at 1 Flora Place in the Dufferin neighbourhood. The new units, which will replace the existing single-family dwellings, will include 16 one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom and four three-bedroom designs. To ensure the smooth relocation of current Flora Place tenants, WHRC is providing temporary housing in vacant apartment units located in some of its nearby buildings. The project is expected to be completed by the end of May, 2007.

The foundation will be concrete slab, so that all units will have grade level entrances. All units will be "visitable" by people with mobility-related disabilities, and at least four of the units will be fully accessible for people with disabilities. The project will also include a laundry facility and meeting area for the tenants.

"The redevelopment of Flora Place has been in the planning stages for many years and is a key component of our long term plan to help revitalize our aging neighbourhoods," said Mike Pagtakhan, Chair of the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC). "We are grateful to the WHHI for this funding assistance and to the efforts of our staff and board for allowing us to provide affordable housing in the Dufferin neighbourhood."

To keep the rents affordable for low-income households, the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MHRC) will provide rent supplement assistance for 24 of the 28 units that subsidizes the difference between the approved market-rental rate charged by the landlord and the rent-geared-to-income paid by the tenant.

The funding is co-ordinated by the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods.

Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $91 million to repair, rehabilitate or construct over 3,600 units of housing as well as assist the homeless or those at risk of being homeless.

The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government-funded housing and homelessness programs. For information, organizations or citizens can call 204-940-3070.