Funding commitments for Phase 3 of Winnipeg’s north end sewage treatment plant are conspicuously absent from the provincial budget, released on March 20, 2025.

The new cost estimate for biological nutrient removal at Winnipeg's north end sewage plant is an astronomical $1.491 billion. While seeking additional funding, city council must optimize the chemical phosphorus reduction system already in place at the plant.

Instead of deflecting its responsibility for achieving phosphorus compliance at Winnipeg’s largest sewage treatment plant, Manitoba’s government must take action to implement a cost-effective solution.

Thanks to the tireless advocacy of concerned citizens, chemical phosphorus reduction is now happening at Winnipeg’s north end sewage treatment plant – the single most important step the city has taken to protect Lake Winnipeg.

Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes must work with his cabinet colleagues to put in place a fully funded, accelerated, evidence-based plan for phosphorus compliance at Winnipeg’s north end sewage treatment plant.

Manitoba’s environment minister must accelerate phosphorus compliance at Winnipeg’s north end sewage treatment plant.

Massive sewage leak reinforces critical need for wastewater infrastructure upgrades

Read our Executive Director’s comments on the south Winnipeg sewage spill.

With a mandate to "protect Lake Winnipeg and safeguard the health of all our waterways,” Manitoba’s new government must focus on phosphorus reduction.