A sewer treatment plant expansion in Winnipeg needs an additional $10 million to ensure completion after the city was told the contractor is leaving the project in a month.
A report in the city’s water, waste and environment community agenda notes the South End Sewage Treatment Plant expansion is almost done, but the contractor is finishing up work on May 2, and the plant has a number of outstanding issues and deficiencies that remain unresolved.
“There is significant risk to the city if the contractor defaults on the contract and doesn’t complete the scope of work,” the report reads, noting they were informed of the contractor’s departure in February.
The plant currently meets licence requirements to operate.
The city said it would support the current contractor until they leave but would have to put a tender out for another contractor to complete any unfinished work.
It’s estimated it would cost the city $10 million. City council will be asked to approve the increase.
Property tax increase to help offset waste fee costs
The committee is also looking to city council to add a property tax increase to help offset the cost of new waste collecting fees.
The committee is asking for a one per cent increase in property taxes, which would be used to help fund the new collection fee schedule approved by city council last month.
Both measures will be discussed during the next committee meeting on April 11.
-With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele
