Brian Bowman officially requested a meeting with Manitoba Premier Pallister, at which he intends to finally resolve all disputes over the financing of Winnipeg by the province.
This happened after the city published a report in which it was stated that the province has not yet provided the promised $82 million for infrastructure development, and also intends to withdraw its contribution to the repair of city sewage in the amount of $34 million. This money should have been spent on upgrades at the North End Water Pollution Control Centre. According to the mayor, now provincial officials intend to use these funds for other projects, such as Waverley underpass.
Jeff Wharton, Municipal Relations Minister, made a response statement in his turn. In it, he called the city report misleading and inaccurate. He also said that it was the city authorities of Winnipeg that want to redirect the money for upgrading the sewage to other projects.
Later Bowman commented on the Minister’s statement, noting that it was not supported by evidence. "I'm not sure on what basis the minister is making that assertion. I understand he said in his statement that he said he'll be following up formally, and we'll review that and consider and respond when that occurs," Bowman said in an interview.
The mayor requested a meeting with Pallister for the final resolution of the current situation with the financing of the city. There has not been an official response from the province to this request yet.
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