PEGUIS FIRST NATION, Man., – Much needed flood mitigation efforts are underway in two Manitoba First Nations that are prone to flooding every spring.
The $61.1 million flood mitigation project is aimed at protecting hundreds of homes and infrastructure in both Peguis First Nation and the neighbouring Fisher River Cree Nation.
The first phase of the long-term initiative will see clay dikes built to protect central Peguis and up to 500 vulnerable houses across both communities, situated about 160 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
There will also be improvements to roadways to maintain access during the flooding.
“It’s long overdue,” said Stan Bird, who is the chief of Peguis.
“We’re talking generations of our people who have been affected by the flood, but we still have people that are out of the community as a result of the flood.”
In 2014, more than 100 people were displaced due to high water levels in the community. In 2022, over 2,000 people were forced out of their homes.
Bird says his community has been calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide this help for years.
“It’s a start,” he said.
Fisher River Cree Nation Chief David Crate echoed that sentiment.
“Enhancing protections for homes, access routes and essential community infrastructure will help reduce flood risks, support the safety of our residents and strengthen our community’s resilience for generations to come,” he said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Federal Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced the work is underway in both communities, with Ottawa reimbursing eligible provincial costs through its Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP).
“These measures reflect our shared commitment to addressing long-standing risks and protecting what matters most,” Minister Gull-Masty said in a statement.
“Together, we are taking practical steps to build stronger, more resilient communities and reduce the impact of flooding on families.”
Repeated seasonal flooding has forced evacuations for years, leaving residents uncertain about the safety of their homes and community infrastructure.
Lorne Cochrane, who is the director of operations for Fisher River CN, hopes these measures bring change.
“With these proactive measures protecting our community and our assets, it gives us a comfort that we can do things without having to worry and won’t have to evacuate and rush out at the last hour trying to sandbag homes,” he said.
Peguis resident Fred Sinclair said he’s happy to see these measures finally be implemented.
His home in Peguis has been subject to severe damage in recent years, including major flooding to his basement.
“The water was halfway up my basement, and I lost everything down there,” he said.
The project offers Sinclair hope that the next spring flood won’t mean more damage.
“It’s too bad that we have to live like that with dikes around us, but as long as it’s going to avoid flooding, I don’t mind,” he said.
