The Need for Floodway Expansion

Over the years, Manitobans, especially residents of the Red River Valley and the City of Winnipeg, have experienced flood situations first hand. In 1950, Winnipeg experienced a significant flood that forced the evacuation of thousands of homes, businesses, hospitals and schools. As a result, thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes and millions of dollars of damage was sustained.

In 1997, Manitoba experienced a major flood - the "Flood of the Century." This flood forced the evacuations of communities in the Red River Valley and came close to reaching the floodway's capacity and threatening the protection of Winnipeg. In the end, the Red River Floodway did protect Winnipeg and saved the city from the devastation that was experienced by our American neighbours in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

In the aftermath of the 1997 "Flood of the Century," the International Joint Commission (IJC) reviewed flood protection measures and found that under flow conditions similar to those experienced in 1997, the risk of failure of Winnipeg's flood protection infrastructure would be high. As a result, the IJC recommended that to ensure public safety, the city, province and Canadian government focus immediate action on designing and implementing measures to protect Winnipeg.

The expansion of the Red River Floodway will increase flood security and improve the quality of life for many Manitobans. In addition to improving flood protection and preparedness, the project will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, protect the environment and give residents an opportunity to help shape the future of their communities.

The expansion of the floodway is a very complex project. It involves many important and varied elements from earth moving, the construction and redesign of highway and railway bridges, modifications to hydro and sewer lines, and the protection of water quality. It is our hope that this site will help Manitobans get a better understanding of this historic initiative.