Despite the current situation, talks between the City of St. John’s and the federal government regarding wastewater upgrades are still ongoing. That’s according to St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen.

New federal regulations require the city’s wastewater treatment facility to be upgraded to meet the new standards by the end of the year. However, St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise have all come out saying that would not be possible.

Furthermore, they say the current cost-sharing formula between the three levels of government is inequitable. Under the current formula, the city is to pay 33 per cent of the capital cost, while the province pays 17 per cent.

Breen says conversations are ongoing and they hope to have a resolution soon. He says without the proper financial package in place the city cannot move forward. The conversations with the federal government are about how to make the situation work for residents.

There was concern that the municipalities would face penalties if the deadlines are not met, but Breen assures that as long as they are making progress the city will be fine.