Public works seeks snow-clearing budget buffer

Winnipeg public works is seeking millions in extra funding to ensure the city can promptly pay its snow-clearing bills, if storms pile up.

A new staff report seeks a $7-million boost to the department’s budget, largely to add $9.3 million for snow clearing and ice control, with the full price offset by other savings.

“This would cover snow- and ice-control costs in the event of poor weather conditions in the final quarter of 2025,” a finance report notes.

While low precipitation saved the city money on snow clearing in the early months of this year, the report notes additional funding will ensure contractors’ bills can be paid promptly, if snow piles up later. It would be spent only if needed, the report notes.

The city has budgeted $45 million for snow clearing this year.

The finance committee will be asked to approve the extra funding on Monday.

WFPS wants millions to cover overtime, injury claims

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service hopes to boost its budget by $3 million to cover high overtime and Workers Compensation Board costs.

WFPS overtime costs are currently expected to come in nearly $7 million over budget and Workers Compensation Board injury claims are expected to cost about $6 million more than expected this year, a new finance report notes.

Millions of dollars in savings on salaries and other costs, as well as increased revenues and some provincial funding, will offset that spending, reducing the amount needed.

The report links the high overtime rate to increased staff absences, with more staff working extra hours to fill in.

The finance committee will be asked to approve the overrun at its Monday meeting.