The union representing Portage la Prairie's city employees at the wastewater treatment plant is questioning the need for private sector involvement in planned upgrades. The city is required to reduce the nutrient levels in the water coming from the facility, with the work estimated to cost almost $100 million. At their next council meeting, they intend to discuss the public-private partnership, which would follow the design, build, operate, finance, and maintain model.

The upcoming hearing on the matter has sparked no shortage of discussion around the city, even though Council has advised ownership, utility rates, and employees would still fall under their responsibility. Terry Thompson is the local chapter president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees who represents those staff and says the documentation he's seen has left more questions than answers.  

Terry Thompson

"We have about 12 employees working as city employees, and if that's the case they could be laid off, the company could come in and hire them, or they may not. Right now (employees) have job security in there, some of those guys have been there for multiple years and would like to retire with the city."

Thompson also fears private involvement could have a negative impact on taxpayers. He says with the private sector investing large sums of money into the project, it's not unthinkable they'd like to see a profit, which could raise utility rates.

While he admits there's no question the plant needs to be upgraded, he feels taking the traditional approach would be the best bet. He says by having a private contractor doing the design and construction, it eliminates many of his concerns. The city first started discussing the possibility of private partnerships after realizing the high cost of the project, and the strain it could put on the city's finances. However, Thompson says we've seen changes in both the provincial and federal governments, and feels it should be possible to fund the work without seeking private investment.

"They're counting on government grants to do a lot of this because both the federal and provincial governments are involved. A lot of it comes from governments anyway. I have no idea about the numbers part, but we should be able to get enough grants to build it for what we need, that's my feeling."

Thompson wants to ensure whatever route Council takes, they're protecting the employees and the utility users. He's going to be attending Monday's Council meeting along with a national CUPE representative, to discuss the concerns with council during the public hearing.