Winnipeg greenlights $1 billion sewage-treatment megaproject

The City of Winnipeg has taken a significant step towards improving its wastewater management by approving a substantial contract for a $1 billion sewage-treatment megaproject. This decision grants the Red River Biosolids Partners, a consortium of construction firms, a $95 million contract to design and develop the next phase of upgrades at the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, Winnipeg’s largest sewage treatment facility.

This facility is set to transform partly treated sludge from the city’s three sewage treatment plants into nutrient-rich fertilizer. This design contract sets the stage for the construction phase, which is projected to cost $900 million. The award came after the city’s water, waste, and environment committee, following extensive deliberations across two meetings, voted three to one in favor of Red River Biosolids Partners over a competing bid from Graham Infrastructure and PCL Constructors Canada.

Despite the committee’s approval, Councilor Brian Mayes of St. Vital expressed opposition, advocating for a more extended deliberation period due to the project’s significant financial implications. Mayes highlighted that the decision could have waited until the appointment of a chief construction officer, a role proposed by Mayor Scott Gillingham during his 2022 campaign to provide expert advice on major construction projects.

In another development, Ramona Coey, the executive director of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba, echoed the need for thorough evaluation, underscoring the importance of answering critical questions before proceeding.

In a related council session, a proposal to raise the city’s minimum wage to $19.21 per hour for city workers and contractors, which would have incurred an annual cost of $4 million, was rejected by a council vote of 9-7. Councilor Cindy Gilroy of Daniel McIntyre made a last-minute motion to increase wages, but it failed to advance due to procedural rules requiring a two-thirds majority to alter meeting agendas.

The council meeting, held remotely by Mayor Gillingham due to travel disruptions caused by bad weather in New York, was the last before a six-week summer break. Council activities are scheduled to resume on September 3, following Labour Day.