The solution to Winnipeg’s billion dollar challenge.
A billion dollars is the price tag for sewage treatment upgrades that have been imposed on the City by provincial law. The aim of these new environmental regulations is to help protect our rivers and Lake Winnipeg by significantly reducing the load of harmful phosphorous and nitrogen in our sewage effluent.
The clock is ticking. To comply with the strict new regulations, major sewage plant improvements must be completed by 2012. That means these upgrades must begin immediately.
It’s a huge challenge, and on projects of this scale and complexity, the City has not always come in on-time and on-budget. We need a better way to manage these vital services and massive projects.
To better protect taxpayers, City Council recently approved a plan to create a new, arms-length management model, much like Manitoba Hydro, to govern utility services.
Among many benefits, this 100% publicly-owned utility will allow the City to develop construction partnerships to help reduce the financial risk to taxpayers. These suppliers would be required to deliver expected results, or help shoulder the costs if they don’t.
Learn more and share your views
Over the past year, City officials have looked at best practices, consulted with the public and employees, and held many meetings with key stakeholders including CUPE. Read on for further details then let us know what you think by clicking on Feedback or by completing the Survey.