City unsure how to pay for rapid transit expansion, says Winnipeg councillor
'We have to decide how are we going to fund this commitment,' says John Orlikow
The City of Winnipeg is currently considering buying up land as part of its bus rapid transit (BRT) expansion plans to the University of Manitoba, but some on city council feel unsure of where the money will come from.
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Property and planning committee Chair Coun. John Orlikow said the city needs $19.7 million a year for 30 years to pay for the property.
"Unfortunately, the previous council abdicated the responsibility to do it, so now we're at the last minute, where we have to decide how are we going to fund this commitment,” said Orlikow. “That's where the new councillors are going: 'We don't have that answer yet.’”
The city has until 2020 before they have to start paying, but it still has to determine where the money will come from this year.
Mayor Brian Bowman campaigned on finishing the rapid transit line to the university.