‘Much higher’ sewer rates could be flowing in Winnipeg

Winnipeg homeowners and businesses could be facing higher than average sewer rate increases. CTV’s Jeff Keele reports.

Winnipeg homeowners and businesses could be facing higher than average sewer rate increases.

Ross Eadie, the councillor who chairs the water and waste committee at city hall, warns residents can anticipate projections above what they’ve been paying.

“I’ll just say much higher,” said Eadie.

Eadie said ratepayers will learn more on March 4, when a report with rate proposals is published on the water and waste meeting agenda. The meeting is set for March 10.

He said the report will break down the proposed increases, which council will be asked to vote on.

This is related to the city’s most expensive project, the upgrades for the North End Water Pollution Control Centre. Eadie said a separate report on the meeting’s agenda will also have the latest estimate for the final phase of the project.

Previous reports have said all three phases of the project could be around $2.3 billion. One report went as high as $3 billion.

“On March 4 they’re going to get a sense…what effect the cost of that project is going to have," said Eadie.

This comes as Coun. Sherri Rollins tabled a motion at another committee Monday, which was passed, asking for reports on the impact utility increases will have on homeowners and businesses. The motion also wants the city to look at affordability programs to offset the hikes.

Eadie said he and all of council are very concerned about affordability. He said on March 4 he will be speaking alongside the mayor about affordability.

“There’s still some things we’re working out to try to mitigate what water and waste is proposing.”

The mayor has also been calling for more financial help from the other levels of government in order to lower the burden on ratepayers.