FRANCAIS

November 15, 2001

Today, Premier Gary Doer welcomed the release of the final report, Flood Protection Studies for Winnipeg, as a big step forward toward building adequate flood protection for the capital city.

"The information now before the three government partners forms a solid base on which to move as fast as we can on a final decision and an expedient process to get the flood protection Winnipeg needs actually built," said Doer.

"We accept not only the data within the report, but also the sense of urgency expressed in it to move forward immediately."

With the release of the report, the premier today announced the following immediate steps:

• launching a series of consultations over the next few weeks in several Red River Valley communities, headed by Terry Duguid, chair of the Clean Environment Commission, to gather public feedback on the two main flood protection options studied in the report;
• establishing an all-party committee of the legislature to advise the government on choosing the appropriate flood protection project; and
• committing to a first stage of relatively smaller but necessary projects that will improve protection for Winnipeg. These projects can proceed independently of the major projects.

"The memory of the 1997 Red River flood and the devastation in southern Manitoba, as well as the shocking scenes from our neighbours in North Dakota and Minnesota, is still fresh in our minds," said Doer.

"Large strides have been made in flood protection along the Red River Valley. The big question mark that remains is flood protection for Winnipeg. We have done the due diligence on studying the two main proposals. Now it is time to move with our federal and city partners."

The premier added that the public consultation will inform the government on Red River Valley residents’ views on the two potential projects, an expanded Winnipeg floodway or a large dam structure near Ste. Agathe. As well, the legislative committee will allow all parties to have input into this large decision for the future of Manitoba, he said.

"We are also moving forward on a first stage set of projects that are necessary, yet independent of, the flood prevention project that is chosen," said Doer.

He specifically pointed to two significant Winnipeg flood proofing projects currently under way:

• the second floodway inlet "notch" project, (at a cost of approximately $500,000) that will significantly increase water flows through the floodway; and
• the $1.5 million floodway gates refurbishing project.

The premier noted that the inlet notch projects were the first flood protection initiatives agreed to with senior Manitoba federal minister Ron Duhamel under the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Agreement.

"These are some first steps; the next step is involving Manitobans and legislators in the decision process. But as today’s report says, time is of the essence. Every spring that comes brings a significant risk of another flood the magnitude of 1997 or greater. We must move forward now," said Doer.

The premier said he has been in touch with Duhamel and Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray throughout the study process and that they both understand the urgent nature of moving expeditiously.

"As Duff Roblin and John Diefenbaker worked together to build the original floodway, a united partnership between the provincial, city and federal governments will be vital to make the correct move forward on flood protection for Winnipeg," said Doer.

The Clean Environment Commission will announce a schedule of public consultations shortly. They are expected to be completed by the end of January 2002.

The report Flood Protection Studies for Winnipeg was commissioned by the governments of Canada, Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, following the 2000 International Joint Commission report on the Red River flood of 1997. It was authored by Winnipeg-based KGS Group consulting engineers and project managers. A report of interim study information was released in June.

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