Mayor, councillors to pitch water and sewer rate freeze

A water and sewer rate freeze could be coming in 2027.

A proposal from councillors Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) and Ross Eadie (Mynarski) suggests the city could take its surplus from 2025’s water and sewer revenue and use it freeze 2027 water and sewer rates and expand affordability measures for homeowners struggling to pay their water and sewer bills.

If a freeze were approved, water and sewer rates would remain at current levels, rather than the previously-approved 4.2 per cent increase.

The allocation would require the provincial and federal governments to confirm their funding of the third and final phase of the North End sewage treatment plant.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said he will support the motion when it is presented to the city council’s executive policy committee April 21.

“Winnipeggers are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and when we have an opportunity to keep services more affordable, we should take it,” Gillingham said in a press release. “This plan does that in a responsible way.”