City of Winnipeg utility rates should be approved by regulator, advocates say

ECONOMY City of Winnipeg utility rates should be approved by regulator, advocates say By Tavi Dhillon Global News Posted September 23, 2026 6:13 pm Updated September 23, 2026 9:08 pm 3 min read Some local organizations no longer want the city setting sewer and water rates. Ahead of the municipal election, they're calling on candidates to agree to fight for a change they argue will create fairer increases.Vasilios Bellos reports. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Several Winnipeg-area groups are calling on the next city council to increase transparency and accountability by having its water and sewer rates approved by an independent provincial regulator. This movement, dubbed the “This PUB’s For You Pledge,” is comprised of Manitoba-based associations. Those backing it called for the next batch of elected City of Winnipeg officials to initiate the process needed for the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (PUB) to govern city-managed public utility rates within 180 days of their election. PUB must approve the rates for all of the municipally owned public utilities in Manitoba, except Winnipeg’s. “We think that in order to have greater accountability, regarding our water and sewer bills, that it is only fair that the City of Winnipeg’s water utility rates be approved by the PUB,” Lucille Bruce, co-chair of the Manitoba Seniors Equity Action Coalition (MSEAC) told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The deadline for prospective and incumbent councillors to take the pledge is Oct. 13, she added. Bruce was among the representatives who spoke in front of Winnipeg City Hall Wednesday. The This PUB’s For You Pledge is backed by the MSEAC, as well as the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, the Consumer Association of Canada’s Manitoba base and Harvest Manitoba. Winnipeg is exempt from its rates requiring PUB approval, in accordance with The Public Utilities Board Act and city charter. The city also has special rights for what it can do with utility funds, according to the City of Winnipeg Charter. The document says that revenue can be used towards “the general purposes of the city and not solely for the purposes of offsetting any costs related to supplying the commodity or service.” Get breaking Montreal news Get breaking Montreal news delivered to your inbox as it…