The city council of Winnipeg, in Canada, has set the stage for a monumental $1-billion sewage treatment project. On Thursday, the council's water, waste, and environment committee awarded Red River Biosolids Partners, a consortium of construction firms, a $95-million contract, reports CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Radio).
This agreement covers the design and development of the next phase of upgrades at the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, the largest of the city’s three sewage treatment plants.
This project aims to transform partially treated sludge from all three of Winnipeg's sewage treatment facilities into nutrient-rich fertilizer. The approved design contract is a significant precursor to construction activities, which are projected to cost an additional $900 million.
The decision to select Red River Biosolids Partners came after water and waste department engineers recommended their bid over a competing proposal from a consortium led by Graham Infrastructure and PCL Constructors Canada.
Councillor Brian Mayes (St. Vital), chair of the committee, cast the sole opposing vote. He argued for a more cautious approach, suggesting that the decision could have been postponed until the city hired a construction advisor, a role Mayor Scott Gillingham had promised to establish during his 2022 campaign. Following the committee vote, Mayes emphasized the importance of making informed decisions on such significant projects.
"We're hiring a chief construction officer whose job is to advise council members on large construction projects. Nothing’s bigger than this," Mayes stated regarding the $1-billion initiative. "I'm not afraid to make decisions, but I like to do so with the best information available."
