The planned controlled release along the Assiniboine River dikes will not occur tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. and is not anticipated to occur before noon tomorrow. The timing of the planned release is being continuously reviewed and assessed in light of work to increase the capacity on the Portage Diversion, the flows down the Assiniboine River and the ongoing conditions of the dikes between Portage la Prairie and Headingley.
The affected municipalities are being advised. Moving back the time provides residents and municipalities more time to prepare.
Considerable effort has been made to strengthen the Portage Diversion structures and raise the dikes along the diversion channel.
Residents in the area should continue to be on a high level of alert for possible evacuation, as conditions are subject to change. Residents are advised to follow instructions from their local rural municipalities and local authorities. If an emergency situation occurs, then the controlled release may have to proceed with short notice.
The planned release is being considered to allow for a controlled and limited release of river waters, therefore preventing a significant, damaging and uncontrolled breach along the dikes.
Efforts to protect properties that would be affected by the controlled release and the potential spillover from the Portage Diversion are continuing and progressing well with the assistance of Canadian Forces soldiers and reservists.
