The province will invest $22 million in equipment and technology to improve flood-fighting capacity and preparedness as Manitoba faces the potential for widespread spring flooding, Premier Greg Selinger announced.
“We are combining our collective knowledge and considerable experience with technology and equipment in an effort to prepare for and manage the floodwaters that nature sends our way,” said Selinger. “Our province has experienced its fair share of flooding in the past and Manitobans know all too well the challenges that these events present to families and communities. From these experiences, we have also had the opportunity to test and enhance our emergency plans and procedures.”
About $21 million of the $22 million will go towards acquiring resources and equipment as required to further support the level of provincial flood fighting and preparedness including:
• two additional mobile sandbag machines and related equipment for a total of five machines for deployment where needed;
• additional portable diking systems including;
• 43 kilometres of box-like frames that are filled with gravel or sand to be used in areas where heavy current and debris might be issues; and
• an additional 28 kms of water-filled portable flood barriers, bringing the total provincial stock to 83 kms, of which 30 kms will be in rapid deployment trailers;
• 500,000 sandbags for a total of 2.2 million and 10,000 super sandbags for a total of 20,000;
• 20 new steamers and trailers for de-icing drains and ditches for a total of 57;
• two additional ice-cutter vehicles for a total of seven for use with Amphibex machines;
• three additional amphibious vehicles for a total of six to support Amphibex operations;
• more portable temporary bridges for use in restoring access if crossings are damaged;
• reinforcement of earthen dikes at various locations along the Assiniboine River between Baie St. Paul and Portage la Prairie;
• computer software upgrades to collect and analyze water levels and flows; and
• expansion of the provincial emergency co-ordination centre.
The premier noted the province has already added a third Amphibex AE 400 icebreaking machine to its ice-jam prevention fleet.
In the 14 years since the 1997 flood, the province has invested over $1 billion in flood-protection infrastructure, most notably in the floodway expansion and the enhancement of community ring-dike systems. During that time, the province has also acquired a significant arsenal of flood-fighting equipment, the premier said.
In addition to the $21 million for flood equipment and technology, the premier also announced that up to $1 million will be made available for rural municipalities to start typical flood preparation works such as cleaning ditches, steaming culverts or constructing temporary dikes. The funding will assist municipalities in flood-prone areas outside of Winnipeg, with the assurance that financial support is available.
The province will be issuing additional flood outlooks in February and March with more precise forecasts closer to the spring melt.
The premier noted the province is supporting the development of a sump-pump and in-line sewer backup-valve incentive program by the City of Winnipeg, to help residents reduce the risk of basement flooding in preparation for spring flooding. The province will make equivalent funding available to municipalities outside of Winnipeg that create similar programs.
“Over the next few months, the province will continue to work with municipalities to plan and prepare for the potential of significant spring flooding,” said the premier. “We will continue to provide updates so Manitobans can be aware and ready for any possible impacts in their communities.”
