View From the Legislature

What a difference a year makes. It was only last year that Manitobans were enjoying among the warmest spring and summers in recorded history. In fact, last year Winnipeg recorded over 35 days of 30 degrees Celsius or more which tied a record from 1988. By the end of last year and throughout much of the winter, the most significant weather concern was how dry the conditions had been and the challenge that a lack of moisture would cause farmers and others in 2022.

Today, the challenges are the exact opposite of what they were last year and what many had predicted for this year. It seems like every Colorado low pressure system has found its way to Manitoba bringing with it precipitation in the form of heavy snow or rain. In fact, southern Manitoba went from one of the hottest and driest summers on record last year to the fifth-wettest spring on record this year and the wettest since 1974.

That quick turn around in weather has moved the province from worry over dry conditions and forest fires to full-on flood fighting efforts this spring. Once again this year, Highway 75 has been closed for an extended period of time as flooding around the Morris area has intensified due to the high level of the Red River and moisture in the Red River Valley. Winnipeg residents have been reminded again of the visionary action taken by former Premier Duff Roblin in the construction of the Red River Floodway and the investments in its expansion and other flood mitigating measures taken by both Progressive Conservative and NDP governments since. The Floodway and other flood protection measures, such as community ring dikes, have paid for themselves many times over and remind us again that there are more permanent flood measures yet to be done.

As a result of flooding, there have been road closures across the province and there has been the closure and evacuation of several areas including provincial parks. The most recent was just this past weekend when the province issued an evacuation order for the northern area of the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Also this past week, in recognition of the very moist conditions and the difficulty in seeding, Manitoba Agriculture and the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced an extension of the AgriInsurarnce seeding deadline for soybeans.

Hopefully the Manitoba weather offers a reprieve from all of the moisture but as the situation changes and impacts road conditions, agriculture, and access to certain areas, be sure to check the Manitoba Government website for regular updates. Thank you to all those who are battling on the front lines of the flood fight in the various areas of the province. We appreciate your incredible dedication and effort.