Winnipeg’s mayor is urging the province to compromise on its hotly contested demand the city gauge interest for a private-public partnership to operate two key sewage projects. Mayor Brian Bowman warns a delay could wind up sparking higher water and sewer rates. However, the province doesn’t appear interested in the city’s offer, which narrowly won the approval of council’s executive policy committee Tuesday. EPC cast a 4-3 final vote to have a consultant seek out interest in a potential private-public partnership (P3) with the city to design, build and finance two phases of the $1.8-billion north end sewage treatment plant upgrade.