Late pressures drive up Winnipeg deficit

The City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Police Service are both reporting they have found savings in their budgets for the year.

The City of Winnipeg’s most recent financial report still shows a deficit, but notes some improvement to the city’s financial position.

The report, released on Monday, showed a $3 million improvement over the forecast last quarter.

In a news release, the city said it ended last year with a $14.3 million deficit, which they said was driven by late year pressures, including heavy snowfall and a legal settlement.

The city paid $7 million to settle lawsuits filed by Brian Anderson, Alan Woodhouse, and Clarence Woodhouse, who were convicted in a 1973 homicide, but later had their convictions quashed.

Despite the deficit, the city noted it had saved $51.8 million last year using debt deferral and the removal of the federal carbon tax.

The finance committee will discuss the report when it meets Friday.

With files from CTV’s Carie Wilson