The City of Winnipeg spent $34,994 on its own podcast that has only 81 subscribers, according to documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

“It’s absurd that city bureaucrats think it makes sense to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a podcast while city hall hikes property taxes,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “With rising taxes and spending, this taxpayer-funded podcast should be the first thing on the chopping block.”

The City of Winnipeg spent $34,994 to produce and record 19 episodes of the “Our city, Our Podcast” show from March 2024 to September 2025.

On each episode, hosts talk to different employees of the city, with titles such as “Martha from Urban Forestry” and “Todd from Talent Acquisition.”

The podcast episodes regularly get less than 100 views on YouTube.

Even city council committee meetings on riveting topics such as finance and development or property development appeals get more views.

The City of Winnipeg hiked property taxes by a 34-year high 5.95 per cent last year.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham campaigned for mayor on a promise to limit property tax hikes to 3.5 per cent a year.

According to the city’s latest satisfaction survey, only 57 per cent of Winnipeggers think they are getting good value for their tax dollars.

“Continuing to spend money on this podcast shows the city isn’t serious about saving taxpayers’ money,” said Haubrich. “The city should be helping Winnipeggers by making their lives more affordable, not by forcing them to pay for podcasts that almost no one listens too.”