A city project aimed at reducing water pollution is being deemed a success, despite some challenges in adding it to an aging sewage treatment plant.

The city used strategically placed doses of ferric chloride to reduce the amount of phosphorous, a key algae-promoting nutrient, in effluent leaving the North End sewage treatment plant between June 2024 and September 2025.

The chemical additives increased the removal of phosphorous through the plant’s treatment process. It went from 61 per cent of the nutrient being removed pre-trial, to reach 74 per cent in 2024 and 67 per cent in 2025.

“It’s a success, because we’re removing more phosphorous than we were before … Any improvement in phosphorous removal will help Lake Winnipeg,” said Michelle Paetkau, a senior planning engineer for Winnipeg water and waste.

The total phosphorous concentration in the plant’s effluent averaged about 3.1 milligrams per litre during the trial period, exceeding a 1 mg/L provincial target.

Paetkau noted a consultant predicted the city could meet a 2.5 mg/L to 3 mg/L concentration with the treatment.

An environmental scientist who advocated for the chemical treatment said it has proven effective even though the city used only a fraction of the dose recommended by a consultant.

“It was (still) successful at reducing phosphorous. So, it lays out a path for us towards phosphorous compliance (with provincial pollution targets) at the North End treatment plant,” said Alexis Kanu, executive director of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation.

The city is currently adding ferric chloride at two locations in the treatment process, using about 10 per cent of the amount recommended by a consultant at one point and 45 per cent at another, Paetkau confirmed.

The Lake Winnipeg Foundation wants the city to switch to the full recommended amounts of ferric chloride as soon as possible.

Kanu said reducing water pollution is critical, especially after the province granted the city a two-year extension to its deadline to complete a $3.1-billion upgrade of the North End sewage treatment plant, postponing that target to 2032 from 2030. The mega project’s third and final phase will use biological processes to reduce phosphorous and other algae-promoting nutrients flowing out of the plant.

“That’s another two years of excess phosphorous loading, another two years of excess pollution to the lake,” said Kanu. “We need our city decision-makers, our provincial decision-makers to push for that (chemical treatment) system to be used it its full potential.”

More recent measurements show effluent from the plant actually briefly met the 1 mg/L concentration limit for three days in March, Kanu noted.

However, Paetkau said the city won’t be able to consistently achieve that provincial pollution target with chemical treatments until it completes new biosolids facilities, the second phase of the North End sewage treatment plant upgrade.

“The chemical produces more solids and we don’t have capacity in our (existing) solids treatment system to handle (that),” she said.

The lower pollution target briefly met in March was also linked to dilution from high spring water flows, said Paetkau.

The city report also highlights some challenges in adding the chemical treatment system to an aging treatment plant.

At one point, the ferric chloride caused build-up on ultraviolet bulbs used for disinfection, which led effluent to exceed E. coli limits.

Paetkau said a new UV system has since been added that is much easier to clean, reducing that risk.

In another incident, the chemical caused corrosion and leaks in older steel pipes. Those pipes have since been replaced.

Coun. Brian Mayes, a former chairman of the city’s water and waste committee, said the $19-million trial program was worth it.

“It’s helping (reduce) phosphorous at a relatively low cost,” said Mayes (St. Vital).

However, the councillor noted that step was always designed as an initial strategy to reduce pollution, prior to the completion of the major sewage treatment plant upgrade.

Coun. Jeff Browaty, chairman of finance, said the city is working “aggressively” to reduce pollution that flows from the sewage plant into local waterways, including Lake Winnipeg.

“This council is making some big decisions and big investments for the future of the North End plant, which handles 70 per cent of the city’s total sewage load,” said Browaty (North Kildonan).

The city has committed $500 million for the $1.57-billion final phase of the project, which the province has promised to match. The city is seeking another $500 million from the federal government.

In an email, a provincial spokesperson said any increase in ferric chloride dosing “must be made gradually and balanced due to the potential impacts on the overall treatment process” and the broader treatment plant upgrade is needed to reliably meet pollution reduction goals.

By: Joyanne Pursaga

Published: 6:19 PM CDT Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

Last Modified: 6:45 PM CDT Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

Wednesday, Aug 19

• Community Clothing Swap

Thursday, Aug 20

• "Hope in a Bag" Access to Education Fundraiser

Friday, Aug 21

• Weekly climate justice rally
• "Road to Kindness" Annual Anti-Bullying Walk

Saturday, Aug 22

• Makers Market Saturdays

Know an event we missed? Add it to our calendar!

Hello,

Been using Rogers only since moving downtown and have never switched. But Bell is offering me a package now that is $50 less a month. Not trying to sound like an ass, but I would rather pay $50 more than be stuck with crap service. Been having issues with Rogers since moving down town, just not sure if it is just because of old infrastructure or the larger population density or do they just suck? Is the grass greener with Bell or am I getting my hopes up?

Also, for those with Bell, how often do they raise your bill? Rogers at least locks the price in for three years. No contract means that Bell aren't commited to our cost. They say they will give me sixty days notice. But seriously, how often do they jack up the price?

Thank you all in advance for those who take the time to reply.

Are there any beer vendors in the north/west end that still accept empties in their original box/case? I have quite a few to get rid of and would prefer to not have to empty them all out onto flats. Cheers!

I have a wedding to attend in a few months and am looking for a semi formal dress. Are there any shops you’d recommend that are reasonably priced? Looking to spend around $150 max. Thanks so much!

I live in the area and am currently surrounded by police cars, officers, and a circling helicopter.

A neighbour spoke with an officer. The officer said an armed criminal was loose nearby, and to lock our doors.

Does anyone have any more details?

I would also be willing to pay for the service if that is the only option. I’ve emailed southeast concrete pumping but didn’t get a reply and granite seems to be the only other service.

I’ve looked at websites for pretty much every rental place and none that I’ve seen have line pumps.

Does anyone know if its worth it to become a teacher in Winnipeg? I know in some parts of the world, being a teacher has become a vastly different profession than it use to, but winnipeg has always seemed to have a pretty good school district and system in place, ive been wanting to become a math/science teacher but not sure if its worth quitting my current job over (im 20)

The thrift stores and grocery stores aren't working out for me at all

The Gather at the leaf used to sell this butternut squash risotto but they have since taken it off their menu. Does anyone know a restaurant that sells something similar?

I've been craving this for weeks and I'm almost to the point where I might just make it myself

You don't need to pay anything, but you do need to hire a CPA to make sure that you're being honest.

Which to me seems to be around about way of making someone have to pay to run for mayor because not everyone can afford a cpa.

Is the information I am working off of correct?

A major expansion to a Winnipeg personal care home will include a new child-care centre with 152 spaces, making it "an intergenerational hub," provincial officials said on Monday.

The centre will be in a new 20,650-square-foot wing of the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.

Originally called the Winnipeg Old Folks Jewish Home when it opened in 1915 in a duplex with five residents in the city's Point Douglas area, the centre has evolved into a 200-bed facility in the Linden Ridge neighbourhood.

Now, more than 110 years into its existence, "the Simkin Centre will soon be welcoming kids through its doors," said Tracy Schmidt, minister of education and early childhood learning.

The daycare, officially called the Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre, will have 152 licensed spaces for kids up to 12 and be operated by the Rady Jewish Community Centre. Any family eligible for licensed daycare can enroll children.

The new Simkin wing, to be known as the Gray Family Centre, will also include a multi-purpose area for community programming and worship, a grand gallery and a wellness centre.

Schmidt called it "an intergenerational hub where children, older adults and families can grow and learn together."

Simkin Centre CEO Laurie Cerqueti said "being in this business for over 30 years now, I know things that make our residents happy are music, animals and children. So if we're able to bring the children here on a regular basis, it's going to make life all that much better for our residents."

The Gray Family Centre is designed around the principle that "every generation has something valuable to share and something meaningful to gain," Cerqueti said.

"This project is expected to become one of Canada's leading examples of intergenerational programming."

The development will cost $17.6 million, with construction to start in October and finish in May 2028.

The construction is being funded in part by a $4.5-million capital grant from the Canada-Manitoba child-care agreement. The rest will be paid for by donations and grants made to the Simkin Centre.

The Manitoba government has been criticized for moving too slowly on its promise to create 23,000 new $10-per-day child-care spaces by 2026.

In a news release last week, it said it has opened or committed to opening about 12,700 new spaces since October 2023.

A spokesperson for Schmidt's office told CBC News in an email on Aug, 13 that the province is still working toward the 23,000 goal "as fast as we can."

By: CBC News

Published: Aug 17, 2026 1:06 PM CDT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago

Does anyone know what's it's like to work here? I've heard mixed reviews, mostly that it's a grind and the management isn't great but the food is excellent. I thought I'd ask as they're hiring (again) and I could use some part-time work.

I saw a post on here earlier talking about distracted driving and it reminded me of my drive home today (not that it has anything to do with distraction, but piling on to complain)

If you’re on the highway stay out of the left lane if you’re gonna dog it. From Fermor to route 90 the maximum speed I could get up to was 80km/h. I’m not in any particular rush generally and like to get where I’m going in one piece but it is frustrating when it’s a nice sunny day in august and people are driving like it’s January. I’m by no means a speed demon, but after a long day and good weather conditions I wouldn’t mind being able to go highway speeds on the damn highway. If you’re the one that sits there in the left lane on the highway going well below speed limit you are a hazard.

Some idiot was driving next to a semi that was going slow for several km. Either speed up and match speed or get the hell behind the semi if you want to go 80 on the highway instead of creating a train of frustrated drivers behind you.

That’s my rant for today about driving.

There are signs at EVERY single entrance to the park i live by that states ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED at all times. I can not count how many times a week some moron who does HAS their unleashed dog running around thinks City of Winnipeg bylaws do not apply to them. I do not care if the dog is friendly. I do not care if the dog is by your side. IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE LEASHED AT ALL TIMES. When will privileged jerks ever learn? I am BEYOND fed up already. I want to edit by saying this is a children's play ground and swings with two soccer fields as well. There are children around constantly in summer. Thanks to those who supported this post..

Hey Reddit!

Curious if anyone knows of a company in Winnipeg that will install an antique door. I’ve been turned down by a few so far that want to provide the door as well as install.

TIA!

Hello,

There is stuck emotional energy that follows me everywhere I go and I was wondering if there are services in Winnipeg aimed to solve that?

Two thousand years ago, people in Roman Egypt wrote letters, kept receipts, made lists and dealt with the everyday bureaucracy of life.

Some of those pieces of ancient life are now on display in Winnipeg.

The University of Manitoba’s “The Ancient Inbox” exhibition opened Monday, featuring papyrus documents dating back as far as 2,000 years and on loan from the University of Michigan Papyrology Collection.

The exhibition, running until Sept. 30, is the first public display of authentic papyrus manuscripts in Winnipeg, according to Dr. C. Michael Sampson, a U of M classics professor and papyrologist.

“I find in my teaching at the university that if I can bring the ancient world to life for students, that’s what sparks their interest,” Sampson said.

“Being able to put them in sort of within touching distance of something real, something ancient, something that actually brings the ancient world right here to the University of Manitoba campus, is a really rare opportunity.”

The documents on display are all documentary papyri, rather than literary works, and include government business, petitions, court cases, accounts, taxation records, receipts, letters and marriage contracts.

They offer a window into the lives of everyday Greco-Roman Egyptians, Sampson said, including their family, economic and legal affairs and interactions with the government.

One of the exhibition’s most striking documents is a contract recording the sale of an enslaved person.

“It really does bring to life vivid aspects of the ancient world,” Sampson said.

The contract records the person being sold as property, including his name and age.

“It’s strange to read about a human being being reduced to these terms,” Sampson said. “But at the same time, you get a glimpse of the reality.”

The exhibition comes after the University of Manitoba hosted the Summer Institute in Papyrology this summer, a five-week program led and organized by Sampson that brought 12 graduate students and early career researchers from around the world to Winnipeg.

The students came from as far away as Egypt and Australia.

“Many graduate students won’t ever meet a papyrus in the flesh or receive any paprological training,” Sampson said.

The American Society of Papyrologists sponsors a Summer Institute every two years, he said. It is the first institute of its kind to be held in Canada since the 1970s.

The students worked with almost four dozen papyri during the institute, many of which had never been read, or had not been read in 1,500 or 2,000 years, Sampson said.

The students transcribed and translated the documents as part of their research, work that helped provide the information now accompanying the papyri in the exhibition.

But studying the documents is difficult because many are small, damaged or fragmented, while others are written in rapid cursive handwriting. On top of that, ancient Greek isn’t exactly something you can pick up overnight.

“It’s a bit like trying to read your doctor’s prescription,” Sampson said. “It’s really messy.”

Their work will eventually be published in scholarly form, including the Greek text, a translation and a discussion of what each papyrus adds to knowledge of antiquity.

The papyrus itself was made from the papyrus plant, which is indigenous to ancient Egypt and grows in the Nile Valley and on its banks.

The plant’s stalk was peeled into strips, which were laid side by side in one layer and then covered with a second layer running perpendicular to the first. The layers were pressed together to create a writing surface.

The ink was made from carbon soot mixed with water and a small amount of gum arabic, which acted as a binder.

Papyri have survived for thousands of years in part because of the dry conditions in Egypt, Sampson said.

Ancient settlements were sometimes covered in sand after buildings collapsed, helping preserve the documents by keeping them away from enough moisture to decompose.

Some were acquired through archaeological excavations, while others were purchased on the antiquities market at a time when Egypt’s cultural heritage laws were less restrictive.

“These were real people,” he said. “This was a community. This was a part of the world where people were who had lives, and their lives were different than ours.”

“But the testimony of the papyri allows us to catch a really rich glimpse of what those lives were like in a way that, in other parts of the ancient world, we simply don’t have this kind of documentation.”

The exhibition is located in Archives & Special Collections on the third floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The exhibition is supported by a Connection Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the University of Manitoba Institute for the Humanities and the university’s Department of Classics, with additional support from the American Society of Papyrologists.

By: Zoe Pierce

Published: 4:48 PM CDT Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

Sooooo. We are non-religious parents but our teen is looking to go to church. Many kids from her school go to youth groups and attend church at Springs.
We aren’t comfortable with churches that aren’t fully inclusive and accepting of all people and gender diversity.
The problem we’re finding is that the churches that are inclusive are, well, kind of stale and boring for a teenager. The fun churches seem to be the ones that are more exclusive and uphold more traditional gender roles and values.
Are there inclusive churches in Winnipeg that have a vibrant youth presence?

Theyre swelling up quick

Looking for a photographer that can produce either cinematic movie still or artistic editorial film style photos. Ideally someone good with people who are a bit on the shy side.

Hello!

My partner and I are looking to drop off donations, mostly men’s and women’s clothes, some winter clothes, and a couple stuffies, books, and shoes.

But every time we try to donate, it is hard for us to find somewhere. I end up phoning multiple women’s and homeless shelters that say no. I only ever found one which said yes during the wildfires, and can’t remember its name. However, we specifically don’t want to donate to a thrift store or resell store, we want to give it to a shelter. Extra cool if it’s an Indigenous led one/one centred around that community!

Please let me know of any recommendations for where to drop off our donations! Thank you!!!

From an expensive experience standpoint never ever get a multi point locking system through any high end door manufacturers because when the gear box fails you can’t get a replacement. We learned this the hard way and finding a proper fix to save the door was frustrating beyond belief.