City of Winnipeg charged after massive raw sewage leak into Red River

The new bypass set up to help stop sewage from spilling into the Red River near the Fort Garry Bridge on Feb. 22, 2024. (Danton Unger/CTV News Winnipeg)

An investigation into a massive raw sewage spill last year has led to charges against the City of Winnipeg.

A provincial spokesperson confirmed charges were laid against the city earlier this week under the province’s Environment Act.

It comes nearly one year after 228.4 million litres of raw sewage spilled into the river and ultimately into Lake Winnipeg. Two aging sewer pipes – built in the 70s – running under the Red River at the Fort Garry Bridge failed, spewing millions of litres of untreated sewage into the Red River.

It took the city more than two weeks to stop the leak using a temporary bypass.

Read More: Raw sewage spill stops, bypass system in full effect

On Friday – after repeated inquiries from CTV News – the province confirmed the charges, citing a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the major spill.

“As the matter is now before the courts, the province has no further comment at this time,” the spokesperson said in an email.

The City of Winnipeg told CTV News it’s aware of the charges and “is reviewing them before determining next steps.” A spokesperson added they had no further comment at this time.

According to the Environment Act, a corporation can face a fine up to $500,000 for a first offence, and up to $1 million for each subsequent offence. A judge may also suspend or revoke environmental licences if the corporation is unwilling or unable to remedy the situation.

CTV News has reached out to the City of Winnipeg for comment.

-with files from CTV’s Jon Hendricks