Winnipeg vacant property owners collectively owe the City of Winnipeg more than $3.28 million in unpaid fire response fees, according to the latest city data. These fees are charged to property owners for the cost of fire services when their vacant buildings catch fire.
Fire Response Fee Program
The fire response fee program was established to recover costs associated with emergency responses to fires at vacant properties. The fees are intended to offset the financial burden on taxpayers and encourage property owners to secure and maintain their vacant buildings.
City officials report that the outstanding amount has accumulated over several years, with many property owners failing to pay the fees despite repeated notices. The city is now considering additional enforcement measures, including placing liens on properties or pursuing legal action to recover the debts.
Impact on Taxpayers
The unpaid fees represent a significant cost to Winnipeg taxpayers, who ultimately bear the expense of fire services for these properties. The city has emphasized that the fees are not a revenue source but rather a cost-recovery mechanism.
As of May 2026, the total owed stands at $3.28 million, with some property owners owing tens of thousands of dollars in accumulated fees. The city continues to work on strategies to improve compliance and reduce the number of vacant properties in the city.
