Winnipeg continues to set the standard for affordability among Canadian cities. As the City prepares to release its 2025 budget, data comparing taxes across the country reaffirms Winnipeg's position as a leader in affordability, with a 25-year record of tax restraint unmatched by other major Canadian cities.
“For decades, Winnipeg has prioritized affordability while advocating for a new funding formula with senior levels of government,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “However, as we face growing demands and opportunities, now is the time to invest in ourselves. The upcoming budget will reflect our continued commitment to balancing affordability with responsible investments in the services and infrastructure that support our city’s future.”
This leadership in affordability is demonstrated across three key metrics:
- Canada’s Lowest Property Taxes – Winnipeg’s property taxes for a typical home are the lowest of any major Canadian city, offering significant savings for homeowners. Even when factoring in frontage levies, Winnipeg homeowners still pay among the lowest municipal taxes of any major city.
- A 25-Year Record of Tax Restraint – Since 1998, Winnipeg’s compounded property tax increase has been just 35%. In contrast, other major Western Canadian cities have seen increases ranging from 129% to 189% over the same period.
- Per-Capita Property Tax Revenue Gap – Data from the City of Calgary reveals that Winnipeg collects far less property tax revenue per capita than cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary. If Winnipeg collected property taxes at the same rate as those cities, it would have an additional $700-800 million in annual revenue.
“Winnipeg stands apart for its disciplined approach to property tax increases,” said Gillingham. “While other cities have had to adjust significantly, Winnipeg’s growth in tax rates has been modest, keeping our city one of the most affordable in the country. While this has benefited residents, it has also created a significant revenue gap that highlights the importance of modest adjustments so we can continue to fund critical services and infrastructure.”
As Winnipeg’s population has grown by 65,000 people in just three years, the City is facing increased demands for public services, infrastructure, and community safety.
“The upcoming budget will reflect these needs by prioritizing investments in public safety and infrastructure renewal, while ensuring Winnipeg continues to have the lowest taxes of any major city in Canada,” said Gillingham.
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For more information, please contact:
Colin Fast
Director of Communications
Office of the Mayor, City of Winnipeg
cfast@winnipeg.ca / 204-803-6406