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The community of Rivers received some positive news on Friday as water levels at the Rivers Dam dropped, but the province warns the forecast is calling for more rain over the next few days.
Widespread precipitation is forecast for most southern, southwest and southeast Manitoba watersheds for the next five to seven days. Occasional heavy thunderstorms could develop and bring up to 100 mm of heavy localized rain, which could lead to localized overland flooding.
— Ron Schuler (@Min_Schuler) July 3, 2020
Earlier this week, around 80 people evacuated from the community after the province expressed doubts that the 60-year-old dam would hold in light of historic water levels.
In the event that the Rivers Dam fails, the province has projected Brandon could see the worst-case peak levels, similar to the spring flood of 2011.
The dam is being continuously monitored by Manitoba Infrastructure, making repairs as needed.
Brandon has not ordered any evacuations, but the City has handed out evacuation preparation notices to nearly 800 homes and 100 businesses, urging them to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Earlier this week, Minnedosa and the surrounding R.M. of Minto-Odanah declared states of emergencies after the heavy rain led to washed-out roads, and flooded homes and businesses.
The Town of Neepawa has had three evacuations after declaring a state of emergency. Smaller communities just east of Neepawa, like Arden and Gladstone, are also monitoring high water levels on the Whitemud River.
It appears Manitobans in areas dealing with high water levels aren’t out of the deep waters just yet.
More thunderstorms are in the forecast, which the province says could bring up to 100 millimetres of rain over the next five to seven days to some of the most affected areas.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The Town of Neepawa is one of many places in southwest Manitoba to declare a state of emergency following waves of heavy rain that began last weekend.
Neepawa joins other areas like Rivers, Brandon, and Minnedosa that have been heavily affected by rising water levels, washed-out roads, and business closures.
Landon Cameron is the general manager at Neepawa Golf & Country Club, and tells CKDM Neepawa is dealing with a very serious situation.
“We were sandbagging [Thursday] morning for a friend at his house at 6:45 a.m., and the road had about six inches of water on it. Within two minutes it was up to my waste. Neepawa flash flooded yesterday.”
The Neepawa Golf & Country Club was shut down on Monday as the water quickly covered almost the entire course.
“All within an hour. We were still open on Monday, then at 3:30 p.m. we shut down the front nine because we were starting to see some water seeping in — and then by 4:15 p.m. we were completely underwater.”
Landon says he’s experienced spring flooding with snow melting, but this is the first mid-season flash flood he’s ever been apart of.
He says it’s a “hurry-up-and-wait” kind of mentality at the Country Club right now.
“We’ve got some volunteers and grounds guys out there trying to pump what we can pump. Once the river goes back within its banks we’ll be going 18-20 hour days to try and get the water moving off the course so it can dry out and make it playable.”
Helping Hands
Once again, it appears these challenging times have spurred Manitobans to do what they do best — help out their neighbours. Landon thanks a few nearby golf courses for stepping up and offering members from Neepawa Golf & Country club a place to play at a reduced rate.
“Shout out to all those golf courses for having some compassion for our members. Carberry, Portage, Oak Island Resort, Gilbert Plains, and Poplar Ridge. We really appreciate those places stepping up and giving our members somewhere to play and get their mind off this week.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The total number of cases in the province remains at 325.
There are 16 active cases in Manitoba, and no one is in hospital because of the virus.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
An armed man from Bowsman, Manitoba has been arrested after ramming his truck through the front gate of Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday morning.
The suspect has been identified as Corey Hurren, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
According to reports, Hurren drove from Manitoba with a long gun and a note in his truck, which had Manitoba licence plates.
RCMP say after he rammed through the front gate, Hurren proceeded on foot to the greenhouse on the grounds of Rideau Hall where he was arrested. Rideau Hall is where both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Julie Payette live, but were not present at the time of the incident.
Hurren was in court today for a bail hearing, and is facing 22 charges including careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and uttering threats.
RCMP say that Hurren was carrying multiple weapons, and information about his motive will not be released due to the ongoing investigation.
Hurren’s next court date will be on July 17th.
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- Contributed by 730 CKDM
Here’s some good news if you’re in the market for locally grown produce, pies, and jams.
The Dauphin Farmers Market will be running every Friday at the parking lot across from the Dauphin Senior’s Centre from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The market officially opens Friday, July 10th.
Coordinator of the Dauphin Farmers Market, Joyce Huska says it’ll be good to get the event started again.
“People are looking forward to it, so we’re just trying to provide the service for the community. So many of our events have been cancelled this year, so it’s nice to see something that’s coming back as normalcy in a sense.”
She adds that there will be tables of fresh vegetables and desserts as well as a sewing vendor.
People are advised to follow physical distancing guidelines while at the market.
If you have any questions, contact Joyce at 204-548-2244.
The final market will be held on September 25th.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
A small event was held in Dauphin on Wednesday, July 1st to recognize the great work of Tiana Sanko.
The grade 4 student from Gilbert Plains Elementary secured a $10,000 donation to Habitat For Humanity’s Dauphin Chapter with her entry into ‘The Meaning of Home’ national writing contest.
When asked where her writing abilities came from, Tiana speculated it might have come from one parent in particular.
“My dad thinks it comes from him, but I kind of think it’s from my mom,” she said.
Tiana says her teacher Mr. Paul Barkman got the grade 4 class Gilbert Plains Elementary on board with the writing contest.
Tiana’s big grant will be used to build homes for low-income families — something she’s quite happy about.
“I was really excited when I heard about it, and that I could help a family.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The City of Dauphin is telling us recycling pick-up in the Day 2 & 3 areas have been delayed.
They are citing a mechanical issue.
If your recycling bin was not picked up today, you can leave it out and it will be picked up on Friday, July 3.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
No new cases of COVID-19 were identified in today's update.
Manitoba still has 16 active cases and 302 people have recovered.
There has been a total of 325 cases in the province; 26 cases have been identified in the Prairie Mountain Health region.
No one is in the hospital because of the virus, and the number of deaths remains at 7.
For more information about COVID-19, click here.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The province’s Minister of Infrastructure, Ron Schuler, gave an update Thursday afternoon concerning flooding in southwest and western Manitoba.
Some areas have recorded record-high precipitation levels of up to 200 mm over the past few days, causing water levels to rise in rivers and creeks in the affected areas.
On Wednesday night, Schuler announced people downstream of the dam in Rivers Manitoba should evacuate their homes.
“The dam at Rivers is experiencing a flood of historic proportions that is equivalent to a 1-in-1,000-year flood event. The water level at the dam near Rivers Manitoba is at its highest level ever,” Schuler said.
The Infrastructure Minister says water levels at the dam have started to drop.
At least 80 people have been evacuated in Rivers and the rural municipalities of Riverdale and Whitehead. Three people from Neepawa have also evacuated.
In Brandon, evacuations order have not been issued, but the city’s mayor says evacuation preparation notices have been handed out to hundreds of homes in case an emergency arises.
Manitoba Infrastructure crews are working in the flood-affected areas, monitoring water level conditions and inspecting infrastructure.
Property owners are advised to take precautions, as water levels could rise significantly in a short period of time in the affected areas.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
7:35 p.m. update: The severe thunderstorm watch has ended.
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A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for much of the Parkland.
Environment Canada tells us we could see conditions develop into severe thunderstorms, strong wind, and large hail.
The watch is in effect for the following areas:
- Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
- Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
- Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
- Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
- Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
- Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
- R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
- R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park
Stay tuned for updates.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The Manitoba government is asking for proposals to complete a backlog of surgeries that were postponed because of COVID-19.
Health Minister Cameron Friesen made the announcement this morning.
“This government is looking for innovative solutions to address the backlog of surgeries created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we believe this plan will get people the care they need, as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he said.
The healthcare system paused elective surgeries in late March, but restarted them on April 24th.
Priority surgeries include:
- pediatric dental surgeries
- pediatric ear, nose and throat surgeries
- minor orthopedic procedures
- ophthalmology surgery
- outpatient spine procedures; and
- outpatient urology surgeries
Proposals must identify how surgeries can be provided while meeting all legislative, regulatory, and standard requirements.
The minister noted a similar proposal process is currently underway in British Columbia.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
