New Waste Water Facility Will Cost $1,621 Per Resident

The City of Winkler continues to advocate for a better funding model with the Provincial and Federal governments for the $46.7 million Wastewater Treatment facility.

In the mean time, the city has prepared a local improvement plan to prepare for a maximum borrowing of up to $12.2 million for the municipal share of the upcoming Wastewater Treatment project.

Winkler's portion is based on the formula of 1/3 funding from each of the Federal and Provincial Governments, but hopes to see a 40/40/20 split which would reduce the local municipalities share of the project.

The new treatment facility will serve Winkler and the R.M of Stanley up to a future population of 28,800 in 2038, working out to an average of $1,621 per person designed for. While one of the most expensive waste water projects in the region, the cost compared to other tendered projects in Manitoba is one of the lowest per person.

Treatment will include screening, grit removal, biological nutrient removal, odor control and UV disinfection among others.

The total cost of the facility is pegged at $46,700,000. The Province and the Federal Government is expected to chip in $15,566,667 each, leaving Winkler with a $12.2 million bill, and the R.M of Stanley with $3.36 million.

The government funding represents an equal funding model. However, Winkler, along with other municipalities, is lobbying the government for a 40/40/20 split that eases the financial burden on municipalities.

"They should carry the heavier piece of the pie," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says for projects that are forced on municipalities.

"If it's driven because of federal and provincial regulations they have a responsibility to pick up the lion's share."

Winkler's annual payment of $979,301 will be raised by sewer utility rates and as a mill rate, an estimated $31.50 quarterly for the period of 2020-2039, and an estimated $41.86 as a local improvement tax levied annually for 20 years.

The ongoing operation and maintenance costs will be split between Winkler and Stanley.

Stanley CAO Dale Toews explains the RM intends to purchase capacity in the new Winkler Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant which would provide capacity for various areas of the RM to expand on existing sewer capacity as well as provide to existing un-served areas including the communities of Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld.

The RM has commissioned an engineering study to complete design work on a LPS Low Pressure Sewer Wastewater Collection System for the communities of Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld, which would include construction of a main lines, force mains, lift stations and odour control facilities. Toews explains engineering work has not yet been completed but is expected to be complete by summer 2018.

There were no members of the public present to speak to the public hearing at City Hall on February 27.

Currently, Winkler's Waste Water Treatment Facility serves a population of over 12,500 within city limits and the Stanley corridor area.

The existing aerated treatment cells were commissioned in 2002. The facility's storage cells were commissioned in 1986 and 2008 respectively and discharge to the Dead Horse Creek between June 15 and October 31.

The new treatment facility is expected to be tendered this summer with construction complete by June 2020. The project is designed to meet the region's needs until 2038. At that time Winkler's population is expected to reach 22,280.

Meanwhile, Morden is working on a decentralized treatment plant at a total cost of $25 Million. The Morden Water Resource Recovery Facility could serve the community into 2045, sized for a population of approximately 24,000.

City Manager John Scarce says they will also likely look at a mix of mill rate on taxes ands a utility based on consumption.

He says either way it will be an increase, "our best estimate... is a cost of $200 per household annually or $50 a quarter."