WINNIPEG — The clock is ticking for some undecided city councillors on whether or not to approve a land deal with Manitoba Hydro.
City administration told council the deal needs to be approved Wednesday, in order keep rapid transit construction on time and on budget.
READ MORE: Manitoba Hydro approves sale of rapid transit deal for $19M
Some councillors said Tuesday it’s unclear which side has more votes, and it’s too close to call.
A motion will be presented Wednesday as one possible solution: Councillors Janice Lukes and Russ Wyatt want to suspend the deal and send the talks to a mediator.
Councillor Matt Allard said he still does not know whether or not he’ll vote in favour of paying Manitoba Hydro $19 million for land that the city assessed at less than $5 million.
“I’d say I’m still undecided, but I’m kind of realizing that I think the administration has done what they can in terms of negotiating this agreement,” he said.
“Really the question becomes, do we want to go forward with the overall project or not?”
That difference in appraisal cost is central to Lukes and Wyatt’s motion. Since it is clear the issue has divided councillors, they feel the best way to go forward isn’t to accept the current offer from Manitoba Hydro, but send it to arbitration to get a better read on why the appraisal values differ so greatly.
READ MORE: Winnipeg taxpayers could foot $16M more for rapid transit project
Councillor Jenny Gerbasi is concerned about the future of rapid transit if the deal is voted down.
“To delay and cancel a project of this magnitude is astounding; I think it would be a terrible decision,” she said.
Councillor Scott Gillingham said he can’t approve this deal.
“If the $4 million appraisal is accurate, the Hydro appraisal is a bad deal for the tax payers,” he said.
WATCH: Manitoba Hydro approves sale of rapid transit deal for $19M
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