‘We’re monitoring’: Communities in Manitoba’s Interlake region prepare for potential flooding

Communities in Manitoba’s Interlake region are on the alert as water levels continue to rise. Alex Karpa reports.

ARBORG, Man. - John Dueck has been living on the shores of the Icelandic River in Arborg, Man. for 10 years.

He says the water in his community, located about 115 kilometres north of Winnipeg, is higher than the last few years, but isn’t too concerned about his property being impacted.

“The ice has disappeared, so they cleaned that out yesterday, so I think we are good,” he said.

In the province’s latest flood outlook, the Manitoba government says with warmer temperatures and continued snowmelt, the Icelandic River and Fisher River in the Interlake region are under a flood warning.

“Levels have exceeded bankfull capacities at some locations,” the bulletin reads. “Provincial staff continue to support preparations for potential flooding in multiple communities through the Interlake and Parkland regions.”

A lot of localized flooding

Warren Toderan says significant overland and field flooding is affecting Manitoba’s Interlake region, with more water expected in the coming days.

However, there is some positive news: water levels in the Icelandic River have not risen since Wednesday.

“We’re maintaining flow within the banks of the Icelandic River and the Fisher River,” Toderan told CTV News, who is the Municipal Emergency Coordinator for the Rural Municipalities (RM) of Bifrost-Riverton, Fisher, and the Town of Arborg.

Still, he cautioned that conditions could change quickly and urged residents to remain vigilant.

“Nobody wants to let their guard down,” he said. “If you have some issues, if you have some friends and family that can help, by all means, come and do it. It’s better to be prepared rather than to have it come upon you too suddenly.”

On Wednesday evening, crews in the Town of Arborg were working to clear ice that was jamming in the Icelandic River, that runs through the town.

Justin Hoplock, who is the operations manager for the town, said they were able to clear all of that up.

“The river looks like it’s staying the same level as of yesterday,” he said. “But there’s still lots of inflow of water coming in from the west, so we will have to wait and see.”

The community has been working to produce thousands of sandbags, distributing them to homeowners in areas at risk if water levels rise.

“There could be around four or five homes in the Town of Arborg that could be impacted by the high water,” he said. “Last time the water got close to this high was in 2022, where some houses ended up getting flooded.”

The Rural Municipality of Fisher, which is located northwest of Arborg, continues to respond to flooding in the region, which declared a state of emergency earlier this week.

In its latest flood report, overland flooding has closed several roads in the municipality and residents are being asked to travel only if necessary.

“Drivers are requested to stay away from work areas for everyone’s safety. Please do not attempt to check on the situation,” the report reads. “The rapidly changing situation means high water and washouts may not yet have been identified.”

Five tiger dams have been deployed to five properties deemed “at risk.” The Rural Municipality has also made more than 3,000 sandbags.

Roads, bridges closed in Peguis First Nation

Rising water levels in Peguis First Nation, which is considered the largest First Nation in Manitoba, have forced some roads to shutter.

The community, located about 160 kilometres north of Winnipeg, declared a state of emergency last week, as it prepares for potential flooding that was seen in 2022, when roughly 2,000 people were forced out of their homes.

Residents with medical needs have been evacuated out of Peguis, with some being relocated to Selkirk, Man.

To support flood mitigation efforts, more than 500,000 sandbags and 11,000 super sandbags have been delivered to Peguis. An additional 36,000 sandbags and over 1,000 super sandbags have been sent to Fisher River Cree Nation.

Doug Thomas, communications coordinator for Peguis, said Thursday that Chief Stan Bird is ‘hopeful’ the situation may not be as severe as initially feared.

One tributary feeding into the Fisher River has already peaked, while another is expected to crest Thursday night.

Officials say they will have a clearer picture of the flood risk once those levels stabilize.