May 14, 2009
Manitoba to Proceed with Incentive Plan for Flood-affected Crown Land at Breezy Point
The Manitoba government is moving ahead with an incentive plan for vacation homeowners who hold Crown leases and permits on 42 flood-affected properties on Breezy Point north, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said today.
“The government is very sympathetic to the plight of flood-prone lot holders and has carefully considered how to deal with the ongoing flooding issues at Breezy Point,” Struthers said. “Flood prevention and protection measures in this area are not viable and flooding will continue to pose an ongoing risk to the lives of both cottagers and rescuers for as long as settlement remains in this area.”
Due to the risk to cottagers and rescuers, the province plans to move forward with decommissioning of the Breezy Point north subdivision.
Struthers said, similar in principle to programs offered after the flood of 1997, there will be a program to assist vacation homeowners located on Crown land at Breezy Point north. Cottagers will be given the option to voluntarily terminate their lease or permit and the province would compensate the lot holder based on an appraised pre-flood market value.
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton also said today, although a number of options are still being discussed with the federal government, the province will also support the RM of St. Clements for a buyout program in the St. Peters Road area where there are 15 homes and three cottages. The municipality has deemed the area at risk to its residents and its emergency response staff during flood rescue operations.
“We are working with our municipal partners to provide these people with the predictability they need,” said Ashton. “Also, the federal government is an important partner with which we will continue to work co-operatively on a funding plan.”
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