take action: winnipeg sewage
Manitoba has once again delayed action on Winnipeg’s sewage, allowing more phosphorus to enter Lake Winnipeg.
The province has extended the deadline for upgrades to the North End sewage treatment plant without requiring any interim reduction in phosphorus. This is the third deadline extension the province has granted for a project that was supposed to be completed in 2014, then 2019, then 2030, and now 2032.
The province states there will be “no additional interim nutrient reduction beyond that already implemented and operating,” meaning no requirement for the City to fully use the existing phosphorus-reduction system.
We’re asking you to help us appeal this decision, in order to accelerate phosphorus compliance.
Why this matters?
Excess phosphorus fuels harmful algal blooms in Lake Winnipeg, harming water quality, ecosystems, and people’s experience of the lake.
Delays in reducing phosphorus pollution mean these impacts will continue. The timeline for upgrades has already been pushed back to 2032, and there is still no clear provincial funding commitment. As a result, Winnipeg residents could be left to cover the full cost through rising water bills.
At the same time, the North End plant continues to release phosphorus at levels five times above the environmental limit, even though a phosphorus-reduction system is already in place and not being used to its full potential.
How to submit an appeal?
Appeals can be submitted via email to Minister Mike Moyes within 30 days of the decision.
Email: minecc@manitoba.ca
Deadline: April 19, 2026
Include the following in your message:
- Your name and contact information
- A statement that you are appealing the decision and details of the decision
- Why you are concerned
- What outcome you are requesting
Copy info@lakewinnipegfoundation.org on your email. This helps us track the impact of our collective advocacy.
You can view the province’s decision letter and appeal guidelines here:
Here is an example of an effective message:
You can keep your message short and in your own words.
"Dear Minister Moyes,
I am writing to appeal the March 20, 2026 decision to extend the deadline for upgrades at Winnipeg’s North End Water Pollution Control Centre, with no requirement for additional phosphorus reduction in the meantime.
This decision is deeply concerning. The North End plant continues to release phosphorus far above the environmental limit, even though a phosphorus-reduction system is already in place and operating at only a fraction of its potential. Delaying action means more phosphorus entering Lake Winnipeg unnecessarily.
As Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I urge you to require the City of Winnipeg to achieve phosphorus compliance by 2027 by fully using the existing chemical phosphorus-reduction system. This is a practical and achievable step that can reduce pollution now while longer-term upgrades continue.
As a concerned Manitoban, I expect transparent, evidence-based decisions that protect Lake Winnipeg and the public interest. Continued delay will only worsen environmental harm and increase costs for residents.
I would appreciate a reply to this email.
Sincerely,
Your name"
You can also help spread the word on social media by liking/sharing our posts about phosphorus compliance at NEWPCC on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.
Enough is enough. Send your appeal before April 19 and help push for immediate phosphorus reduction at Winnipeg’s North End plant.