September 25, 2009
Province And University Of Manitoba Put Final Touches On Riverbank Research Project In Winnipeg
A research team directed by the faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba has completed a test project on the bank of the Red River in south Winnipeg to determine more effective protection measures, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick and officials of the University of Manitoba announced today.
The results of the research project will be used to help determine the most effective measures for protection and preservation of riverbanks in other areas of Manitoba as well.
“Manitoba riverbanks are affected significantly by human activities and nature’s forces which are major concerns for both local and provincial governments and river property landowners,” said Melnick. “We contributed funds to restore the riverbank habitat following the testing to examine the performance of natural vegetation as erosion protection and to improve the area.”
In a first-of-its-kind project, instruments were installed at the site, which provided engineers and scientists with new, important data about the loads to which the riverbank is subjected. The banks of the Red River are unique in their soil composition which increases the potential for riverbank instability. Other rivers in southern Manitoba such as the Assiniboine, Pembina and La Salle share these attributes.
“This test project has given us valuable data on how to better battle riverbank erosion,” said Dr. James Blatz, associate head of civil engineering at the University of Manitoba. “The contribution from the province was key in completing the project in an environmentally sustainable manner.”
The funding for the entire research project was a partnership between the University of Manitoba, Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Subterranean (Manitoba) Ltd., KGS Group, UMA|AECOM and AMEC.
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