The Rural Municipality of Gimli Council hosted a public hearing on April 15, 2026, to present its 2026 financial plan, offering residents an overview of the community’s $30.6 million balanced budget and future spending priorities.
Mayor Kevin Chudd led the session at the municipal building on 2nd Avenue, where department heads outlined plans for the coming year. The budget includes a 2.99% increase in the general tax rate. For a rural property assessed at $200,000, this change results in an average annual increase of $56 in municipal taxes.
Overall, municipal taxes are 4.29% higher than in 2025. According to municipal officials, 1.28% of this increase is driven by new homes and business developments coming into the community, while the remaining 3.02% applies to existing properties. To help with housing costs, the maximum Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit for principal residences has increased to $1,600 for 2026.
The municipality’s 2026 capital plan highlights 25 projects, including beach improvements, sidewalk expansions, and road repairs in the Industrial Park. The plan also moves forward with the Gimli Wetland Initiative, which is now valued at over $7.7 million. This project focuses on converting a decommissioned sewage lagoon into a natural wetland to protect the water quality of Lake Winnipeg.
Other updates shared during the hearing included a rise in emergency calls for the local fire department, which handled 199 calls in 2025 compared to 134 in 2023. To support emergency services, a new aerial fire truck has been ordered, supported by a $1 million provincial grant. Residents can review the full financial plan and watch a recording of the hearing on the official municipal website.
