Monday, July 13, 2026
The Public Service is recommending awarding a contract worth $815.48 million to Red River Biosolids Partners to build the Biosolids Facilities at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWPCC).
NEWPCC’s Biosolids Facilities receive sludge from Winnipeg’s three wastewater treatment plants, where it is treated and turned into reusable biosolids.
The plant requires upgrades to replace aging infrastructure, increase capacity to support Winnipeg’s growth, and meet the requirements of the City of Winnipeg’s Environment Act Licence and the Water Protection Act.
The project follows a progressive design build (PDB) delivery model that supports smart design and engineering choices as well as cost efficiency so that we can deliver the project within the approved budget and schedule. The NEWPCC upgrades include three separate capital projects that combined are among the largest infrastructure projects in Winnipeg’s history.
The NEWPCC is No. 5 on Watert Canada’s 2026 Top 50 Water Projects report.
In July 2024, the Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and Environment approved Red River Biosolids Partners as the development partner for the project. The Public Service has collaborated with Red River Biosolids Partners on the design, cost, and construction schedule, and reviewed different options based on cost, available technology, treatment needs, construction risks, and long-term value.
Red River Biosolids Partners is a consortium consisting of: Aecon Water Infrastructure Inc. (Lead); Oscar Renda Contracting of Canada Inc.; MWH Constructors Canada Ltd.; Stantec; and Hatch.
The Biosolids Facilities project will also be the first City project to incorporate Council’s 2022 social procurement directive. The directive aims to increase representation of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups in construction roles. The Design Build Agreement sets minimum thresholds and stretch targets for skilled labour, semi-skilled labour, general labour, and apprenticeship ratios.
Subject to Council’s approval of the award of contract, the project would move into the construction phase. The facilities are anticipated to begin treating biosolids in October 2030 and reach substantial completion in March 2031.
Featured image: The new, unfinished headworks building at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant. (City of Winnipeg)
