Seniors, consumers seek promises from council candidates to transfer water, sewer rate decisions to PUB
Groups representing seniors, consumers and people living in poverty say a provincial oversight agency should gain the power to set Winnipeg water and sewer rates, partly to ensure future fees […]
Seniors, consumers, and those living in poverty are urging provincial oversight to set Winnipeg's water and sewer rates. This group believes a public oversight agency, the Public Utilities Board (PUB), should have the power to determine future fees to ensure affordability. The Manitoba Seniors Equity Action Coalition, Harvest Manitoba, Canadian Association of Retired Persons, and Consumers Association of Canada have called on all 2026 city council candidates to publicly support this change.
A significant rise in sewer rates has burdened some Winnipeggers. Tom Simms, a coalition member, shared the struggle of paying utility bills, especially as costs continue to rise. The annual bill for a typical home's sewer rate increased by $168.03 in 2025, an additional $44 in January 2026, and will rise by $68 in January 2027. The city council has voted to freeze the 2027 rate, contingent on provincial and federal funding for the final phase of the North End sewage treatment plant upgrade.
Simms argues that a switch to PUB control will avoid "political theatre" surrounding rate proposals and approvals. The PUB already sets sewer and water rates for every municipality in Manitoba, except Winnipeg. Lucille Bruce, co-chair of the Seniors Equity Action Coalition, emphasizes the need for accountability in water and sewer bills. Currently, the city transfers millions of dollars from these rates to its general budget, including $45.2 million in 2026. Simms suggests the PUB should also assess this practice.
Incumbent mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham stated he is open to discussing PUB oversight but prioritizes securing funding for the final phase of the North End sewage treatment plant upgrade. Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein, however, did not address whether he wants the PUB to oversee rates, promising to release his plan for water and sewer services soon. Candidate Don Woodstock focused on criminal justice, promising key changes to support crime reduction efforts.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
