March 12, 2015
Manitoba Government Upgrades Gardenton Floodway to Protect Homes, Properties in South Manitoba
– – –Waterway Near Vita to Receive Significant Rehabilitation: Minister Kostyshyn
The 92-year-old Gardenton Floodway near Vita is being rebuilt and strengthened to help protect homes, property and infrastructure from Roseau River flood waters, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“The Gardenton Floodway has withstood many floods over the years and the Manitoba government has maintained the dikes, but there are some potential weaknesses that must be addressed,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “Rebuilding this floodway is a priority under the Manitoba government’s five-year capital investment plan to improve community flood protection across the province. Major flooding in 2011, 2012 and 2014 damaged flood infrastructure in many areas of the province.”
The Gardenton Floodway was built in 1922 as the Roseau River Diversion. Work has already started to bolster flood protection for Vita and vicinity under two separate construction contracts, Minister Kostyshyn said. He added it is estimated the project will require more than 200,000 cubic metres of fill and will cost an estimated $1.5 million.
“The Roseau River can be a challenge during heavy spring flows. The Gardenton Floodway has protected a large area of the municipality including the landowners near the Gardenton Floodway and the residents of the town of Vita,” said Reeve Jim Swidersky, the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn. “It’s an important flood management tool in southeastern Manitoba and rebuilding of this channel will bring relief to the people in the area.”
Under the five-year plan to strengthen flood protection in Manitoba, a total of $320 million will be invested in water-related infrastructure around the province, Minister Kostyshyn said.
“Rebuilding the Gardenton Floodway is a challenging project, complicated by the remoteness of the floodway, the age of the dikes and the extent of deterioration,” said the minister. “As well, the high ground-water table makes it difficult for construction equipment to gain access to the dikes. But provincial staff and engineering consultants are finding ways to work on the floodway and restore this important flood management structure.”
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