Around city hall: Mall library, transit fare system, rental scofflaws, water rate-setting

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This article was published 22/05/2025 (191 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

New city library coming to Garden City mall

The City of Winnipeg will lease a 14,490 square-foot space at the Garden City Shopping Centre to create a new library.

The city will pay $2.4 million to improve the mall space, while the provincial government will provide $2.5 million, and the mall owners will spend $1.9 million.

The city will also pay annual rent of $210,105 in each of the first five years, $224,595 for years six to 10, and $231,840 for years 11 to 15.

The new library branch is expected to open in fall 2026.

New transit fare collection system approved

A new $10.5-million fare collection system should soon be rolling on board Winnipeg Transit buses.

City council voted in favour of the new system Thursday, which will allow mobile credit and debit payments.

It’s also expected to help combat fare evasion.

The new payment system is expected to start in mid-2027.

City gets funding to crack down on rental rule breaking

The City of Winnipeg will accept federal funding to help it crack down on short-term rentals whose operators don’t follow city rules.

City council voted Thursday to accept a grant of just under $770,000 over the next two years, which would boost enforcement of the units the city began licensing on April 1, 2024.

The federal government believes cracking down on non-compliant short-term rentals could help boost the country’s supply of long-term housing, according to a city report.

Council won’t ask for PUB to set city water rates

The City of Winnipeg will not ask the provincial government to transfer the power to approve Winnipeg water and sewer rates to the Public Utilities Board, instead of city council.

In October, Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) called for the change, arguing more oversight and scrutiny is needed.

However, Mayor Scott Gillingham has warned altering water and sewer revenues could risk progress on funding discussions for the $3-billion upgrade to the north end sewage treatment plant.

On Thursday, council cast a final vote to take no action on the idea.