Residents of the Red River Valley south of Winnipeg turned out in force this spring to challenge the building of a dam across the valley near Ste. Agathe.
They may learn this fall whether that is still an option.
The idea of a $475 million dam near Ste. Agathe was one of two main options cited after a task force concluded that Winnipeg is at risk of flooding.
The other option is to improve the Red River floodway at Winnipeg, a project that could cost $770 million.
Read Also
Government, industry seek canola tariff resolution
Governments and industry continue to discuss how best to deal with Chinese tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, particularly canola.
Hearings and meetings were held this spring after the task force released its findings in April. A committee is reviewing that feedback, which included suggestions from residents and municipalities in the valley.
The International Joint Commission will use the information from the review committee, along with the task force report, to prepare a final report and recommendations for the Canadian and American governments.
Report this fall
Fabien Lengelle, a spokesperson for the commission, said the IJC report and recommendations should be ready in October or November.
The IJC is an independent body that deals with cross-border water issues that affect both Canada and the United States. Ottawa and Washington attach considerable weight to the commission’s advice.
“In the end it’s up to governments to decide whether to act on the recommendations or not,” said Lengelle.
“We have seen them react very fast to some things. We’re still waiting for them to react on others.”
A dam near Ste. Agathe concerns residents south of that community, who fear it would drive down land values and force them to spend more money on dikes and other measures to protect their farms and communities.
Three years ago, residents in the valley witnessed the worst flood this century. Following the flood, farmers raised their buildings up on dirt pads, built ring dikes around their yards or chose to relocate.
Farmers opposed to a dam near Ste. Agathe also worry that it could cause water to linger on their land longer during years of flooding in the valley. That would make it harder to get their spring planting done on time.
