The RM of Cartier is discussing the possibility of creating a low-pressure sewer system for the eastern area of the municipality. Reeve Dale Fossay says the residents in the Lido Plage area have been discussing the possible sewer for some time, leading to Council's decision to investigate the option further. Fossay says the municipality recently had the Manitoba Water Services Board move forward with the process, by acquiring an engineering firm to take on the study.

"We engaged the services of Dillon Engineering who conducted the study. From an engineering point of view, there seems to be merit in connecting to the facility of Headingley treatment plant. The next step in the process would be to approach Headingley Council and give them the engineering information to see what their opinion of that would be."

Connecting to sewer systems in St. Francois Xavier, or Cartier's own lagoons were also considered. Fossay emphasizes they're still very early in the process, saying no political discussions have taken place and they're simply looking at the matter from an engineering point of view. He also notes constructing a sewer system solely for the Lido Plage area would be a challenge.

"It would mean we'd have to have our own lagoon in the area. Of course, lagoons are costly to build and maintain. It is a possibility, but from an engineering point of view the first option was to explore and have discussions with Headingley."

While Headingley agreed to be a part of the study, no decisions on their end have been made. According to Fossay the report indicated that within 20 years, the wastewater sent from Lido Plage would only add about 8 per cent to their plant's capacity. The estimated cost of the project at this time is around $8 million to connect about 200 homes to the low-pressure sewer line.