Winkler's Tax Rate Likely The Second Lowest In Region

The City of Winkler will see a tax increase of "virtually nothing" in 2017, likely making it one of the lowest in the region.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder notes a house assessed at $200,000 will see their taxes rise slightly to $1,286 from $1,283 last year.

However, he says another tax decrease like last year wouldn't serve the community's future.

"We struggle with having a zero tax increase because eventually, we pay for it," Harder says. "With the number of things we want to do lined up, and it's important to be prudent spenders, we don't want to fall too far behind."

A major recreation facility, the Meridian Exhibition Centre expansion, is on the horizon. Though Harder notes it will depend on Provincial and Federal funding.

"We will make that application but I'm not holding my breath right now," Harder says. "I know provincially it's very tight. But federally if they want to spend some money they might have some access to funds."

Money is also being put aside for the upcoming regional Waste Water Treatment Plant. The total project is estimated at $41 million, with the city's portion sitting at $10.7 million.

Reserves crossed the $10 million mark last year, as total debentures dropped below $6 million.

The total budget increased by 3% to nearly $15.6 million.