Those with questions surrounding a potential public-private partnership (P3) for the upgrades at Portage la Prairie's wastewater treatment facility can learn more tonight. Portage la Prairie City Council's holding a public hearing during their regular Council meeting tonight, looking at the possible partnership for the project, which is expected to cost around $100 million. The issue has spurred no shortage of discussion in the city, with some residents comparing the move to privatization. However, Waterworks Chair Wayne Wall says that's far from the truth, noting City Hall still maintains power over the facility.

"In such a contract the city would maintain ownership of the facility. We'd still set the utility rates under the guidance of the Public Utilities Board, and of course, one of the most important things is that we'd guarantee the jobs of the current city employees."

The City's website indicates they're discussing a partnership where the private company would design, build, maintain, finance, and operate the facility. The City hopes this partnership could help fund the upgrades at the facility, which would reduce the nutrients leaving the plant, following new provincial mandates for wastewater treatment. While a P3 would help reduce the City's portion of the cost of the work, Wall notes there's an added benefit in reducing the City's risks with the work.

"If you run into problems, delays in construction, cost overruns, in a P3 all of those things are off our table. All of those risks are offloaded onto the contractor or the proponent of the project. One of the biggest things is an off-loading of risk."

He says there'd be a very little noticeable impact of the partnership, emphasizing no jobs would be lost, and the financial and environmental standards would remain the same.

Despite the assurances, some are still concerned about the possible partnerships. The Canadian Union of Public Employees local chapter president recently discussed the partnership, and some questions surrounding it. Terry Thompson remains concerned over the impact of employment, but also what it could mean for water rates.

The issue's set to be discussed at tonight's Council meeting, which takes place at City Hall beginning at 6 o'clock.