Brandon declares state of emergency

A dike has been erected in Brandon at Grand Valley Road and 18th Street, as pictured on Friday, July 3 2026. (City of Brandon/Facebook)

The second-largest city in Manitoba has declared a state of local emergency.

In a media release Saturday evening, the city said the declaration was in response to the anticipated flood conditions, resulting from significant rainfall throughout the Assiniboine and Shellmouth River basins and continued increases in forecasted river levels.

“Provincial flood forecasts indicate that water levels on the Assiniboine River are expected to begin rising in the coming days, with peak flows anticipated near July 12,” the release read.

The declaration will allow the city to have “additional authority and flexibility to respond quickly to evolving conditions, protect critical infrastructure, safeguard property and ensure public safety in a proactive manner,” according to the release.

“While there are currently no evacuation orders in place, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of residents and to maintain essential municipal services,” said Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett.

The city’s emergency operation centre is fully activated and coordinating flood response with municipal departments, provincial agencies, emergency services and local partners.

Flood protection measures – such as the temporary dike closure at Grand Valley Road and 18th Street on Friday – have already been completed as part of an ongoing preparation.

The city is asking residents to continue to check official communication channels and stay vigilant.

Officials are also asking residents to:

• Stay away from the dike system and all closed trails, parks, pathways and riverbank areas;
• Respect all barricades, closures and warning signs;
• Avoid driving or walking through flooded areas; and
• Be prepared for potential disruptions in case weather or flood conditions get worse.

Numerous flood response and preparation actions, such as deployment of flood response resources and coordination with emergency services, are ongoing. The city will assess conditions daily and update the public as new information comes in.

Brandon is the second-largest city in Manitoba, located about 200 kilometres west of Winnipeg with about 51,000 residents.