Municipalities Meet With Province Ahead Of Spring Flood

Provincial officials met with local municipal leaders on Friday to discuss the impending flood situation along the Red River in Manitoba this spring.

Paul Gilmore, Reeve for the RM of Montcalm, says it was an opportunity to share strategy and clarify everyone's role in preparation for flooding.

Premier Brian Pallister, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler along with several local MLAs participated in the meeting.

Gilmore says there was some discussion on the impacting a 2009 size flood or higher would have on Highway 75.

"The meeting was productive and I was pleased the province showed that much interest. It showed me they are serious about communicating with us and helping us with the flood."

Provincial flood forecasters are still predicting a 2009 size flood or slightly larger with normal or unfavourable weather conditions.

A 2009 size flood would likely cut road access to some farmsteads in the municipality, according to Gilmore, but he notes that all properties have been protected to 1997 flood levels.

The reeve is still hopeful favourable weather conditions will result in a 2011 size flood, which would be easier for the municipality and ratepayers to deal with.

"No doubt there will be higher water than normal...but the exact size of the this year's flood is still unknown, said Gilmore."

Provincial officials also discussed the possibility of Highway 75 being closed for several weeks if flooding hits 2009 levels and the detours that will be established for travellers and truck traffic.

"The main message from the province, in my view, was that this is a municipal responsibility. They don't want to overstep our responsibility, except to emphasize that the province is there to assist us, to answer any questions we may have, and to call them if we need help. That's quite comforting to know, said Gilmore."