WINNIPEG — The city will ask the Manitoba government for disaster financial assistance for costs relating to frozen pipes.
Mayor Sam Katz told council the city’s costs for dealing with frozen pipes in Winnipeg could range from $3 million to $5 million dollars.
“The Disaster Financial Assistance program was set up for situations like this,” said Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt, chair of the city finance committee.
“It is having a direct impact on this municipality in terms of cost,” Wyatt said.
There were 2,194 reported cases of frozen pipes in Winnipeg as of Tuesday, with only 845 of those properties having had their pipes thawed, leaving 1,349 buildings on a waiting list. Temporary hose lines from neighbouring buildings have been set up at 657 of those properties, leaving 692 without running water.
The city also has identified 6,312 properties as at risk of having their pipes freeze. People at those addresses have been asked to leave their water running to lower the risk.
RELATED: Hot water being tested to thaw pipes in Winnipeg
St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel voted against asking for financial help.
“We have to stop exaggerating things,” said Swandel.
Coun. Scott Fielding also voted against the motion, saying he wants to wait to find out the cost of the frozen pipe problem before agreeing to ask for help.
All other councillors voted in favour.
The mayor was surprised by the resistance.
“If someone doesn’t understand the value of using the program created for these situations, then I would like to spend some time with you one on one,” Katz told the councillors.
RELATED: Winnipeg council votes to retroactively reimburse pipe-thawing costs
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