Transit planner, expanded needle clean-ups among late changes to Winnipeg budget

Winnipeg’s executive policy committee voted Tuesday to approve a series of last-minute changes to the city’s 2026 budget.

Mayor Scott Gillingham’s inner circle signed off on hiring a new, full-time planner to make short-term changes to Winnipeg Transit’s new primary network, needle and dangerous debris clean-ups in parks, and continuing the work of a team dedicated to tackling derelict and burned-out buildings.

The amendments now go to city council for final approval at a special meeting on Wednesday.

Among the changes is the addition of a new transit planner, a position intended to help Winnipeg Transit continue adjusting the city’s new primary transit network.

The planner will focus on reviewing routes, bus stop locations and other elements of the system, as the city responds to widespread feedback following the network’s launch earlier this year.

Finance committee chair Coun. Jeff Browaty said transit staff have been “a little overwhelmed” by the number of changes that need to be made.

Mayor Scott Gillingham says the city anticipated the need for adjustments, but acknowledged the volume of changes has been higher than expected.

“I’m confident it was the right decision to go with the new transit network,” Gillingham told reporters at a news conference. 

“I’m not entirely thrilled, to be honest with you, at the number of adjustments we’re having to make, but we’re making them.”

The planning position will cost about $109,000 in 2026, funded within Transit’s existing operating budget. 

EPC also approved expanding the city’s proactive needle- and debris-cleanup program to six additional parks and public sites next year.

The expansion follows a city report showing crews collected more than 6,300 needles and 177 weapons from 16 inner-city parks and public spaces over a six-month period this year. The report identified six additional “sites of concern,” including Vimy Ridge Park, Cornish Library and the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s needed, but it proved to be quite an important and successful service this year. So extending that … is, I think, a positive motion,” Browaty said.

The executive policy committee voted in favour of $28,000 to extend proactive clean-up efforts to those locations in 2026, with funding from existing Public Works budgets.