2-02640

DRAINAGE PROJECT UNDERWAY TO ADDRESS WATER CONCERNS AT DAKOTA PLAINS FIRST NATION

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA (May 21, 2005) - The Government of Canada has begun work on a $3,953,100 land drainage project at Dakota Plains First Nation to control groundwater levels. The project was announced by the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

“Spring flooding is an unfortunate reality for most Manitobans,” Minister Scott said. “The Government of Canada, in undertaking this comprehensive drainage project, is pleased to help mitigate Dakota Plains First Nation’s water challenges, to the immediate and long-term benefit of community residents.”

The project involves the installation of drainage pipes in the vicinity of Smoke Road and Cemetery Road that will flow to a mainline drainage pipe along Pumphouse Road to an outfall location in the Assiniboine River. The drainage pipes are designed to relieve standing water and high water table issues in key areas of the community’s interior.

Around the First Nation’s perimeter, ditches will be deepened and improved. In addition to promoting increased surface drainage on the reserve, the enhanced ditches will support greater seepage interception and further draw down the water table along the reserve’s perimeter. Small depressions or valleys known as swales will be constructed also in the fields south of Skunk Creek Road, supporting further drainage to the Rosendale drain.

Project construction began in February 2005, with an expected completion date in early August 2005. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is funding the project through its long-term capital budget. Further to the intended community infrastructure improvement, the project is anticipated to generate direct economic benefits of approximately $350,000, through the use of local labour, construction supplies, materials and accommodations.

Dakota Plains First Nation is located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Portage la Prairie. Currently, there are approximately 178 on-reserve and 82 off-reserve members.

For more information, please contact:

Gilbert Savard
Director, Regional Secretariat
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Manitoba Regional Office
(204) 983-6195

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