Capital projects oversight involves monitoring large-scale investments to ensure they remain within scope, budget, and schedule, while managing risks and improving project management processes. Strong oversight helps improve project results and increase transparency and accountability.
Key documents we use for project delivery include:
- The Asset Management Administrative Standard (FM-004): This standard sets out roles, responsibilities, and accountability for asset management and related processes.
- City of Winnipeg Project Management Manual: This manual aligns with leading practices in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and provides a standard framework for project delivery.
Major vs. mega capital projects
Major capital projects
$25 Million to under $500 Million
Major capital projects are projects with high risk, complexity and dollar value, requiring additional scrutiny and oversight. Major capital projects are defined annually in an appendix included in the Supplement to the Annual Adopted budget.
For the 2024–2027 multi-year budget cycle, the major capital threshold is $25 million. This threshold may change in future multi-year budget cycles.
Mega projects
$500 million or more
A mega project is capital project that exceeds $500 million. These projects typically carry higher risk and are quite complex. They need special decision making and closer oversight.
On December 18, 2025, Council adopted a new governance framework for the City’s mega capital projects. Council also approved a threshold of $500 million or more for a project to be considered a mega project. Council may also classify projects below $500 million as mega projects.
Open Capital Projects Dashboard
Reports on the progress of the City’s open capital projects with budgets of $5 million or more
Open Budget
Reports financial information of the adopted budget, amended budget, and actual costs categorized by department, category and subcategory for the City’s entire portfolio of almost 700 active capital projects
Major capital projects
Reporting for major projects
Under FM-004, we must report on all major capital projects to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development quarterly, unless otherwise approved by the Committee.
The Major Capital Project Financial Status Report provides information on project delivery including updates on key aspects such as status, cost, schedule, and risk.
Major & mega capital project reports
Capital project reports tabled at SPC Finance and Economic Development and Executive Policy Committee.
Governance framework for mega projects
The governance framework is the system used to guide decisions, assign roles, and monitor performance and risk. Each mega project has a governance structure that supports our normal processes while also meeting the needs of larger and complex projects.
An important part of this structure is an independent Project Assurance/Advisory Function. This function is led by the Chief Construction Officer (CCO) and operates separately from the project team.
The assurance function reviews project performance, measures key risks, and reports directly to the project governance committee. It supports oversight and serves as an independent advisor. The City Auditor also reviews applicable capital projects through the City’s Audit Plan.
Related documents
Mega projects underway
There are currently three active mega projects related to upgrades at the North End Sewage Treatment Plant (NEWPCC):
- Power Supply & Headworks Facilities
- Biosolids Facilities
- Nutrient Removal Facilities
More information is available on the NEWPCC upgrades page.
NEWPCC upgrade projects audit findings
On January 30, 2025, Council approved the North End Sewage Treatment Plant (NEWPCC) Upgrade Projects Audit Report. The audit found that the NEWPCC upgrade projects were following the City’s existing project processes. However, it also found that those processes were not designed for projects of this size, complexity, and risk.
Audit recommendations include a new governance framework for mega capital projects and related process improvements.