This Thursday, councillor Brian Mayes will be questioning Mayor Scott Gillingham at on why the City of Winnipeg has not begun working on a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at the Brady Road landfill. Mayes is raising concerns about the delay in starting a project that he says is fully supported by the private sector and could generate substantial revenue for the city.
“We keep talking about the need for new revenue streams, yet we’re not starting a project where the private sector covers all construction and operating costs,” Mayes said. “The City is projected to earn $10 million over 20 years, and it’s good for the environment. Why the delay?”
The most recent update from City staff was in Feb. 2024, indicating hopes to begin work “within a few months.” The estimated construction cost at that time was $22 million, with $2.5 million in annual operations. Both costs would be covered by the City’s private sector partner, Integrated Gas Recovery Services (IGRS).
Mayes pointed out that he has repeatedly been told the delay is due to the project being stalled at the provincial level. “We keep hearing it’s on the Minister’s desk,” Mayes said, “but my understanding is the province moved this forward months ago. So what’s holding it up?”
For more than 11 years, methane from the Brady landfill has been flared, reducing emissions equivalent to removing 20,000 cars from the road annually. The proposed RNG facility would convert methane into renewable natural gas, which would then be injected back into the natural gas pipeline. The process is seen as an environmental win, as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and makes use of existing waste gases. The City plans to use the Trans-Canada natural gas pipeline, located near Brady, for this purpose.
Reports on potential uses for landfill’s methane date back to March 2021, with updates in May and November of that year, as well as in January and March 2022. In March 2022, City staff were directed to negotiate with IGRS to develop a deal for council approval. Yet, to date, no agreement has been brought forward.
“With curbside compost pickup still six years away, this project is even more important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayes. “The City stands to gain revenue as well. I’m hoping the mayor can use his influence to get this moving.”
Mayes also credited Terry Duguid, MP, for his long-standing advocacy on the methane issue and noted that the University of Manitoba is prepared to purchase some of the renewable gas. “The support is there,” Mayes added. “Let’s move this project forward.”
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