Dear Mr. Harper

Letters to the Canadian Prime Minister

Dear Mr. Katz - River Health

Letter's to the Mayor of Winnipeg.

Round One

17 May 2006, 11:15 CST

Mr. Katz,

I've noticed that Winnipeggers tend to view our rivers (especially the Red) as heavily polluted; however, when I recently explored the banks of Red I found a thriving ecosystem.

Does the city monitor the "health" of our rivers?

Who might I contact for more information on the water quality of the Red, Assiniboine, Seine, &c.

Thank you kindly.

First Reply - Mayor

17 May, 2006 15:41 CST

Dear Mr. Geske:

Thank you for your email. Since this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Civic Administration, I have taken the liberty of forwarding your comments to Mrs. Annitta L. Stenning, Chief Administrative Officer, for her review and response.

Again, I would like to thank you for your email. I appreciate being made aware of your concerns.

Yours sincerely,
Sam Katz Mayor

Second Reply - Civic Administration

18 May, 2006 14:39 CST

Dear Mr. Geske,

Mayor Katz has forwarded your communication regarding water quality in our rivers to the Chief Administrative Officer for review and response. Thank you for taking the time to write. I have taken the liberty of checking with our Riverbank Management Committee and they have provided the attached.

This issue falls under provincial jurisdiction and the City’s Riverbank Management Committee has provided some links that may be helpful to you.

Thank you for your communication.

Sincerely, Ken McKenzie, Chief Administrative Office Secretariat

From Riverbank Management:

This does fall outside of the scope of the Riverbank Management Committee. Provincial legislative powers include, but are not restricted to, areas of:

flow regulation
authorization of water use development
water supply
pollution control
thermal and hydroelectric power development

Responsible Ministries:

Round Two

Second Round of Questions - Mayor & Civic Administration

19 May, 2006 10:44 CST

Dear Mr. McKenzie & Mr. Katz,

Thank you both for your prompt replies.

I will now pursue my questioning with both the Ministries of Conversation and Water Stewardship.

I do, however, find it troubling that the City has no knowledge of the health of our rivers. Surely the Water and Waste Department must monitor our rivers as part of its Wastewater programs?

Kind Regards, Kyle Geske

Second Round Reply - Civic Admin

19 May, 2006 11:52 CST

Hello again Mr. Geske,

By copy of this communication, I’ve asked Mr. Bill Borlase, Manager of Wastewater Services for the City of Winnipeg Water & Waste Department, to review the attached communications and to share any knowledge he may have with regard to your request.

Thank you again!

Ken McKenzie, CAO Secretariat

Round Three

Third Round of Question - Winnipeg Wastewater Services

24 May, 2006 15:58 CST

Dear Mr. Borlase,

Ken McKenzie advised that you could share some information with me.

I've noticed that Winnipeggers tend to view our rivers (especially the Red) as heavily polluted; however, when I recently explored the banks of Red I found a thriving ecosystem.

Does the Waste & Water department keep tabs on the water quality and environmental health of the Red, Assiniboine, Seine, &c?

Further, I sometimes see fishing within city limits. Would it be safe to eat a fish caught in Winnipeg?

Thank you kindly, Kyle Geske

Third Round Reply - Winnipeg Wastewater Services

25 May, 2006 11:20 CST

"I've noticed that Winnipeggers tend to view our rivers (especially the Red) as heavily polluted; however, when I recently explored the banks of Red I found a thriving ecosystem."

Good observation on your part. We agree with your observations.

"Does the Waste & Water department keep tabs on the water quality and environmental health of the Red, Assiniboine, Seine, &c?"

Yes, we monitor the rivers and streams on a regular basis. This is done by our Environmental standards Division. MB Conservation also monitors river quality.

"Further, I sometimes see fishing within city limits. Would it be safe to eat a fish caught in Winnipeg?"

Health professionals have advised that fish are safe to eat provide that they are properly cleaned and fully cooked.

Bill Borlase

Round Four

Fourth Round of Question - Winnipeg Wastewater Services

25 May, 2006 13:26 CST

Mr. Borlase,

Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm glad to hear you agree that our river's are healthier than most Winnipeggers believe.

When it comes to monitoring our rivers, is there an environmental and water-quality grading system? And if so, how do our rivers rate?

Thank you kindly once again, Kyle Geske

Fourth Round Reply - Winnipeg Wastewater Services

26 May, 2006 10:56 CST

We compare our measured results to the ”Manitoba Surface Water Quality Guidelines” a publication by the Manitoba Government.

Bill Borlase

Round Five

Fifth Round of Questions - Ministries of Conservation and Water Stewardship

19 May, 2006 13:10 CST

I've recently been in communication with the Mayor of Winnipeg, Sam Katz, concerning the "health" of the rivers that run through our city. I was advised to seek further information from the Ministry of Conservation & Water Stewardship.

I've noticed that Winnipeggers tend to view our rivers (especially the Red) as heavily polluted; however, when I recently explored the banks of the Red I found a thriving ecosystem.

Where can I find information on the water quality and environmental health of the Red, Assiniboine, Seine, &c?

For example, I sometimes see fishing within city limits. Would it be safe to eat a fish caught in Winnipeg?

Thank you kindly, Kyle Geske

Fifth Round Reply - Ministry of Conservation

24 May, 2006 15:23 CST

Dear Mr. Geske:

On behalf of the Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your recent letter.

I have taken the liberty of referring your letter to the Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Water Stewardship, under whose jurisdiction your concerns lie.

I'm sure Mr. Ashton’s office will be in contact with you in the near future.

Sincerely, Larissa Ashdown, Special Assistant