A New Model
City Council has voted to create a new public utility, in large part, because of the need to undertake significant upgrades to north and south end sewage treatment plants. Made necessary by strict new environmental regulations, the upgrades will:
- Significantly reduce the load of harmful phosphorous and nitrogen in Winnipeg sewage effluent
- Help clean up our rivers
- Allow Winnipeg to play a role in reducing the growth of algae that often chokes Lake Winnipeg and its beaches in the summer
- Reduce combined sewer overflows to our rivers
Despite these benefits, the nearly billion dollars worth of upgrades are many times larger than projects normally handled by the existing department. So, to avoid cost over-runs, like those incurred during large upgrades to the water treatment plant, Council sought new solutions to ensure it is better able to protect taxpayers with greater cost certainty. In November 2008, Council passed a resolution and set in motion plans to explore an improved management model for water and sewer services. As the model took shape, it became clear that the new entity should also be responsible for garbage and recycling pickup. The new model was approved by City Council in July 2009.
Taking this action now is vital since it will allow the new public utility to do better by:
- Improving our ability to respond quickly and make faster decisions
- Learning from past problems like sewer spills and cost over-runs so it can provide better protection for taxpayers and the environment
- Strengthening management of upgrades to our north and south end sewage treatment plants, which require expanded resources and specialized expertise from the private sector to ensure all regulatory, construction, design and budget requirements are met
The improvements to this public utility will protect and enhance vital services for current and future generations. Let us know what you think by clicking on Feedback.