April 30, 2009
Manitoba Proceeds With Flood Mitigation Plans: Ashton
The Manitoba Government is moving ahead with a flood mitigation plan that will include support for municipalities wishing to implement mandatory buyouts, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton said today.
“We’ve seen many times over, the value of flood protection works in the Red River Valley south of Winnipeg,” said Ashton. “It only makes sense as we begin to evaluate this year’s flood that we extend that protection to other areas of the province.”
Ashton said a number of options are still being discussed with the federal government, but several people are facing serious decisions around the restoration of their properties.
“People are looking for assurances that government will be there to support them and we want to provide that assurance,” said Ashton. “These people need predictability now and we will be there for them while continuing to work co-operatively with the federal government on a funding plan. The federal government is an important partner and has been working with us,” said Ashton.
Ashton said that, like the flood of 1997, there will be a program to assist homeowners to flood proof their own properties but, where repairing a home and flood proofing isn’t feasible, the province will offer voluntary buyouts for homes.
“We have also heard from municipalities that there are some extremely flood-prone areas where it just doesn’t make sense for homes to be located,” said Ashton. “These municipalities are not willing to put the lives of property owners and emergency personnel at risk in future flood situations and we support their position.”
In these areas, the province will support municipalities wishing to make buyouts mandatory and will provide incentives to assist owners to relocate to safer areas. The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, Manitoba Water Stewardship and Manitoba Conservation are working closely with the affected municipalities to identify the damaged properties that cannot be flood proofed.
“We want to thank the municipal leaders who are helping us with these efforts,” said Ashton. “They know best which properties should be identified for mandatory buyout options.”
These programs will be added to the disaster financial assistance program, which can help to repair permanent residences. As they did in 1997, the programs will help reduce the negative impact of future floods, said the minister.
In addition, the province is considering options for some 42 Crown and permit leaseholders for vacation homes on Breezy Point north.
- 30 -