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WINNIPEG - June 10, 2011 - With rain in the forecast over the next few days and river levels that are still high, property owners are reminded to protect their homes from basement flooding.

High river levels increase the risk of basement flooding because the sewer system must then rely more heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the rainfall runoff.  With heavy rains, there is an increased risk of overloaded sewers backing up through house sewer lines and flowing into basements that aren’t protected.

Bill Watters, Field Service Operations Engineer with the City’s Water and Waste Department, says, “Heavy, intense rain storms can overwhelm the City’s wastewater and land drainage systems, placing homes at risk of basement flooding.  We recommend all homeowners invest in two protective devices - an in-line backwater valve in the main sewer pipe so that it protects all fixtures below grade from sewer backup, and a sump pit drainage system.”

“Backwater valves and sump pump drainage systems should be inspected every year in the early spring to make sure they are functioning properly for the rainy season,” says Watters.  He adds, “All residents should ensure drainage is directed away from the home by extending downspouts away from the basement walls and ensuring the earth is built up around the house.”

Property owners are reminded it is against the law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system, as it can overtax the sewer system placing their basement and those of their neighbours at risk of flooding and damage.

Full details are available on the City’s website at winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/drainageFlooding/basementFlooding.stm

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WINNIPEG - May 26, 2011 - With rain in the forecast over the next few days and river levels that are still high, property owners are reminded to protect their homes from basement flooding.

High river levels increase the risk of basement flooding because the sewer system must then rely more heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the rainfall runoff.  With heavy rains, there is an increased risk of overloaded sewers backing up through house sewer lines and flowing into basements that aren’t protected.

Bill Watters, Field Service Operations Engineer with the City’s Water and Waste Department, says, “Heavy, intense rain storms can overwhelm the City’s wastewater and land drainage systems, placing homes at risk of basement flooding.  We recommend all homeowners invest in two protective devices - an in-line backwater valve in the main sewer pipe so that it protects all fixtures below grade from sewer backup, and a sump pit drainage system.”

“Backwater valves and sump pump drainage systems should be inspected every year in the early spring to make sure they are functioning properly for the rainy season,” says Watters.  He adds, “All residents should ensure drainage is directed away from the home by extending downspouts away from the basement walls and ensuring the earth is built up around the house.”

Property owners are reminded it is against the law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system, as it can overtax the sewer system placing their basement and those of their neighbours at risk of flooding and damage.

Full details are available on the City’s website at winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/drainageFlooding/basementFlooding.stm

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WINNIPEG - May 24, 2011 - The Winnipeg Police Service River Patrol Section has lifted the boating prohibition that was issued in mid-April.

While flows on the Red have been dropping, flows remain very high on the Assiniboine and will likely remain high for the next three to four weeks. The high flows and their associated strong currents will create unsafe boating conditions for the majority of boaters.  Use of the rivers is not recommended at this time.

All City of Winnipeg boat launches remain closed due to high water levels. Therefore, while the boating prohibition has been lifted, the River Patrol Section does not recommend boating at this time.

For current messages from the River Patrol please refer to the following link:

http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/river_patrol/

For current river levels please refer to the following link:

http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/pwddata/riverlevels/

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WINNIPEG - May 4, 2011 - The Winnipeg Police Service would like to remind the public that due to high river levels and fast moving currents, river conditions continue to be extremely dangerous.

Members of the public are requested to refrain from the use of boats on the river system as hidden debris may still be present causing hazardous conditions.

Please be advised that the boating prohibition remains in effect until further notice.

Members of the public are also requested to stay away from all river banks and dikes at this time.

Parents and teachers are urged to warn children of the dangers of playing in or near bodies of water, such as rivers, storm water retention ponds (man-made lakes), creeks, streams, and ditches.

PLEASE BE SAFE.

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WINNIPEG - April 29, 2011 - Effective Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:00 p.m., the City of Winnipeg Reception Centre located at the Century Arena will be closing. The Reception Centre opened on April 19, 2011 for rural flood evacuees requiring emergency support services as a result of having to leave their homes. To date, the Reception Centre has assisted 102 families, which includes 241 individuals.

Beginning Monday, May 2, 2011, evacuees requiring emergency lodging and/or immediate financial assistance will be able to access these services at the River Heights Health and Social Services Centre, 677 Stafford Street at Pembina Highway. The office will be open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All evacuees are reminded to register as an evacuee by calling the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Services Line at 1-888-662-3211. The phone line operates 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Evacuee Information Line: 1-877-655-0502

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WINNIPEG - April 21, 2011 - The City of Winnipeg has opened a Reception Centre for rural flood evacuees requiring emergency support services as a result of having to leave their homes. The Reception Centre is located at the Century Arena, 1377 Clarence Avenue.

While general hours of operation for the Reception Centre will be Monday to Friday, 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., please note that the operating hours for the upcoming Easter long weekend are as follows:

• Friday, April 22 - 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 23 - 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, April 24 - 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 25 - 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The Reception Centre is hosted by the City of Winnipeg, in collaboration with its partners: Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army and St. John Ambulance.

Information for Evacuees

Where possible, evacuees are encouraged to stay with family and friends. In situations where accommodation is available with family and friends, evacuees do not need to attend the Reception Centre—unless they require immediate financial assistance.

• Following their return home, all evacuees will be able to submit a claim to Disaster Financial Assistance for eligible expenditures incurred while they were evacuated. Evacuees are reminded to keep all of their receipts. Information about Disaster Financial Assistance is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/emo/home/dfa/index.html or by calling 204-945-3050 or toll-free at 1-888-267-8298.
• It is also important that evacuees register as an evacuee by calling the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Services Line at 1-888-662-3211. The phone line operates 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. This ensures that accurate records are available and family members can locate one another.

Evacuees who do require emergency support services should attend the Reception Centre at Century Arena.

Services provided to evacuees at the Reception Centre by the City of Winnipeg and its partners in emergency response include:

• Registration with the Canadian Red Cross - It is important that evacuees register with the Red Cross so that accurate records are available and family members can locate one another.
• Provision and allocation of both emergency lodging and/or emergency food allowances - Manitoba Family Services & Consumer Affairs
• Assistance with health-related matters - Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
• Assistance with emergency animal shelter services - Province of Manitoba Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, City of Winnipeg Animal Services Agency, Manitoba Emergency Response for Animals (MERA), Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), and the Winnipeg Humane Society

Volunteers and donations are not required at the Reception Centre.

The City of Winnipeg appreciates that, in times of need, people want to help out in any way they can.

The City of Winnipeg works very closely with several volunteer organizations to staff the Reception Centre – the Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army and St. John Ambulance. Therefore, we ask individuals and organizations that wish to provide assistance to contribute through these or other local disaster relief organizations. These organizations have indicated that cash donations are the most helpful way for them to meet a wide variety of needs.

Evacuee Information Line: 1-877-655-0502

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WINNIPEG - April 15, 2011 - An ice jam on the Assiniboine River in the area of Holland, Manitoba broke and flowed downstream yesterday afternoon. This resulted in a temporary flow surge in the Assiniboine River.

The flow surge will cause a rise in the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Winnipeg of between 1 and 1 ½ feet on Saturday, April 16, 2011. This will increase the current James Avenue level of 19.0 feet to just over 20 feet. With continued floodway operation, the river level will drop to about 18.5 feet James Avenue by Sunday, April 17, 2011.

No additional sandbagging is required as a result of the Assiniboine flow surge, as water levels will still be about one foot lower than the level of 20.8 feet on Saturday, April 9, 2011. Properties along Winnipeg's rivers are currently protected to 21.5 feet James Avenue plus an additional two feet of freeboard.

he crest for the Red River in Winnipeg is expected to occur at the end of April. The City continues to actively monitor river conditions and discuss the flood risk with the Province of Manitoba daily. The City will continue to evaluate the protection required for the 94 properties identified as at-risk on Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

In the meantime, the City's request for volunteer assistance is temporarily on hold, with sandbagging operations planned for the long weekend if required.

The City continues to advise residents that adverse weather (e.g., heavy rain) together with high river levels can overwhelm the City's land drainage and wastewater systems, increasing the risk of basement flooding.

Citizens can follow City of Winnipeg Flood 2011 updates on Facebook and Twitter – see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wpgemergweb

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 13, 2011 - The Red River is currently at 19.6 feet James Avenue, down about a foot since the Province of Manitoba put the floodway into operation on April 9, 2011. Based on the new Provincial forecast released this afternoon, the upper limit of the Red River in Winnipeg is now expected to be 22.8 feet James – 1.3 feet lower than the March Provincial flood outlook of 24.1 feet, and close to the 2009 peak of 22.6. The Red River in Winnipeg is expected to peak soon after the Easter long weekend.

As a result of this new forecast, the number of homes requiring protection from river flooding has been reduced from 560 to 129. Of these 129 homes:

• 35 have had their dikes in place as of April 10
• 94 homes will require sandbags for the forecast level of 22.8 feet James. 89 of these homes are on Kingston Crescent, Scotia Street and Glenwood Crescent.

The City will notify properties no longer at risk by April 14, 2011.

Sturgeon Creek levels have dropped and Ness Avenue is now open to traffic.

A river level of 22.8 feet James is still a significant flood and the City continues to monitor the situation closely. Adverse weather (e.g., heavy rain) together with high river levels can overwhelm the City's land drainage and wastewater systems, increasing the risk of basement flooding.

The City is continuing its call for volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts. Individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering to assist property owners build their sandbag dikes are asked to phone 311 to express their interest and to indicate their availability. Out of town residents that want to assist with sandbagging efforts in Winnipeg can call 1-877-311-4974 toll free.

Citizens can follow City of Winnipeg Flood 2011 updates on Facebook and Twitter – see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wpgemergweb

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 10, 2011 - Due to an overwhelming response from Winnipeg citizens, the City no longer needs additional volunteers to assist with sandbagging efforts today.

Within an hour of the City announcing it needed more volunteers, hundreds of Winnipeggers called 311 to register for sandbagging duties.

The City wishes to thank all volunteers for their assistance and encourages any individuals or groups interested in volunteering for sandbagging efforts in the coming days to call 311 to indicate their availability.

For more information on How to Volunteer, visit www.winnipeg.ca or call 311.

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WINNIPEG - April 10, 2011 - The City of Winnipeg continues to call out for more volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts. Volunteers are asked to call 311 to indicate their availability and receive further instructions on how to help.

The City is asking volunteers to call 311 before proceeding to any private properties where sandbagging activities may be taking place. By calling 311 first, volunteers will help ensure they are properly prepared and sent to high priority locations.

Out of town residents wishing to assist with dike-building in Winnipeg can call 1-877-311-4974, toll free.

Full details on how to volunteer are available on the City's EmergWeb at winnipeg.ca.

Citizens can follow City of Winnipeg Flood 2011 updates on Facebook and Twitter – see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on:

Facebook: City of Winnipeg Emergency Preparedness
Twitter: wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 9, 2011 - The City of Winnipeg needs 900 volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts on Sunday, April 10, 2011. Volunteers are asked to call 311 now to indicate their availability and receive further instructions on how to help.

Nearly 800 volunteers were deployed to 16 dike-building locations today. The City estimates it may need up to 900 volunteers on a daily basis until further notice.

The City is asking volunteers to call 311 before proceeding to any private properties where sandbagging activities may be taking place. By calling 311 first, volunteers will help ensure they are properly prepared and sent to high priority locations.

Out of town residents wishing to assist with dike-building in Winnipeg can call 1-877-311-4974, toll free-free.

Full details on how to volunteer are available on the City's EmergWeb at winnipeg.ca.

Citizens are also encouraged to follow City of Winnipeg Flood 2011 updates on Facebook and Twitter – see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on:
Facebook: City of Winnipeg Emergency Preparedness
Twitter: wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 9, 2011 - The current James Avenue river level is 20.68 feet. Since 8:00 a.m. on April 8, 2011, the Red River has risen:

• 0.9 feet at James Avenue
• 1.8 feet downstream of the floodway, which has resulted in six inches of water over Forbes Road

Starting at 9:00 a.m. today, the Province of Manitoba began a first raise of the floodway gates which will begin diverting more water into the floodway.

Sturgeon Creek is expected to flow over Ness Avenue by later today, causing the road to close.

The City continues to monitor river levels and once a new outlook forecast is received from the Province, will determine if there are any additional properties that require sandbag dikes to protect against river flooding.

The City is continuing its call for volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts during the weekend and next week. Individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering to assist property owners build their sandbag dikes are asked to phone 311 to express their interest and to indicate their availability. Out of town residents that want to assist with sandbagging efforts in Winnipeg can call 1-877-311-4974 toll free.

Citizens can follow City of Winnipeg Flood 2011 updates on Facebook and Twitter – see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on:

Facebook: City of Winnipeg Emergency Preparedness
Twitter: wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 7, 2011 - The City of Winnipeg is calling for 150 volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts this evening, Thursday, April 7, 2011.

Volunteers are also required for tomorrow, and through the weekend.

Individuals or groups able to volunteer are asked to call 311 to indicate availability and to be assigned to a sandbag location.

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WINNIPEG - April 7, 2011 - Winnipeg had an ice jam on Monday evening, April 4, 2011, that originated at Kingston Crescent. The jam has gradually moved downstream.

On Wednesday evening April 6, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., the jam moved through the Norwood Bridge area of the river and stopped just upstream of the Redwood Bridge, and has remained there since 10:00 p.m. last night.

As a result of this ice jam, the James Avenue water level has increased by 1.5 feet. The City continues to monitor the ice jam and water levels throughout the city. The City expects that the ice jam will continue to move downstream and clear the city by the end of the day today.

Once the ice jam clears the city, water levels upstream of the Redwood Bridge will drop 1 to 1.5 feet.

A solid ice cover on the Red River still remains upstream of King's Park (Fort Richmond). Once this ice begins to move, it will likely jam in the St. Norbert area, causing water levels to rise, similar to what occurred in 2010. The City continues to advise low lying properties in the St. Norbert area to build their dikes by tomorrow, Friday, April 8, 2011. Sandbag delivery will continue until the dikes are complete.

There are no new at-risk properties as a result of the current ice situation.

The City continues to monitor river levels and dike elevations required to protect properties at risk of river flooding.

The City is continuing its call for volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts tomorrow and over the coming days. Individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering to assist property owners build their sandbag dikes are asked to phone 311 to express their interest and to indicate their availability. Out of town residents that want to assist with sandbagging efforts in Winnipeg can call 1-877-311-4974 toll free.

Citizens are also encouraged to follow City of Winnipeg Flood 2011 updates on Facebook and Twitter – see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on:

Facebook: City of Winnipeg Emergency Preparedness
Twitter: wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 7, 2011 - The City of Winnipeg activated new Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts on Monday, April 4, 2011, as part of our overall flood and emergency preparedness communication strategies.

The three emergency specific social media accounts will support the City's existing EmergWeb site and provide residents with additional sources of up-to-date information on emergencies within the City.

"By adding social media tools to our emergency communication strategy, Winnipeg residents will have multiple ways to stay informed," said Randy Hull, Coordinator of the City's Emergency Preparedness Program.

Hull added that staying informed and planning ahead are the most important things people can do to stay safe during an emergency situation. The City's EmergWeb website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is regularly updated during an emergency. In non-emergency times, EmergWeb is intended to be a resource for citizens in preparing for an emergency.

To follow the City's EmergWeb Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts see the EmergWeb Flood 2011 Information Banner on Winnipeg.ca or click on the following links:

Facebook: City of Winnipeg Emergency Preparedness
Twitter: wpgemergweb
YouTube: wpgemergweb

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WINNIPEG - April 6, 2011 - The City is continuing its call for volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts.

Property owners are requesting a number of volunteers for sandbagging efforts tonight, Wednesday, April 6, as well as tomorrow and through the weekend.

Individuals or groups able to volunteer are asked to call 311 to indicate availability and to be assigned to a sandbag location.

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WINNIPEG - April 5, 2011 - The City is continuing its call for volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts tomorrow and over the coming days.

Individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering to assist property owners build their sandbag dikes are asked to call 311 to express their interest and to indicate their availability.

Volunteers are required as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, with the first phase of sandbagging continuing on low-lying properties throughout the weekend.

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WINNIPEG - April 4, 2011 - Due to a rapid rise in the Red River over the past few days, sandbag dike-building activities will begin this week on low lying properties along the Red and Assiniboine rivers.

Approximately 100 property owners (of the 560 at risk) will be notified by the City that they are to commence building their sandbag dikes. Sandbag delivery will begin Wednesday, with the anticipation that these 100 properties will have their dikes built by the end of the weekend.

Over the next two days, owners of the approximately 100 properties will receive hand-delivered notices advising of the need to start sandbag dike activities, and survey crews will be out marking top of dike elevations.

In an effort to support property owners in building their sandbag dikes, the City is activating its volunteer plan. Any individuals or groups interested in volunteering are asked to contact 311 to express their interest in sandbagging, and to indicate their availability. Volunteer efforts could commence as early as Wednesday. Winnipeggers interested in volunteering can also find more information on EmergWeb, located on Winnipeg.ca.

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WINNIPEG - March 30, 2011 - On Friday, March 25, 2011, the Province of Manitoba issued its third spring flood outlook for Manitoba.

Based on this revised flood outlook:

• There are no changes to the median (or average) conditions. The median prediction is for levels between 20 to 23 ft James, similar to that of 2009.
• There is a slight lowering of the upper decile forecast, with expected levels of approximately 24 ft James, or 1 foot lower than February's flood outlook. The high expected flows on the Assiniboine River mean that levels in the south end of the city will be 3 to 4 ft lower than they were in 1997.

The reduction in the upper decile forecast means that:

• 560 properties require sandbag dikes, a reduction of approximately 150 properties from our January outlook. Letters will be distributed to these 150 property owners this week, notifying them that they will no longer be required to build a sandbag dike.
• 1.8 million sandbags will be required to protect the 560 properties at risk of flooding. As of today, 1.7 million sandbags have been produced and are being stored.
• The number of homes requiring residential sewer isolations has been reduced from 280 to 140. The City will be informing those property owners who no longer require a residential isolation.
• Primary dike raises have been reduced to around 4 km in select areas.

The current cooler temperatures have delayed the onset of the spring melt, and any significant local rise in our rivers is not expected until the second week of April, with a flood crest not anticipated until the end of April. The actual flood peak will be dependent on future precipitation, rate of runoff, and timing of the peaks on both the Red and Assiniboine rivers. Because of these uncertainties, the City continues to plan for the Province's upper decile forecast.

The City will monitor the weather and river rises both in Winnipeg and in the US portion of the basin to determine the appropriate time to begin sandbag deliveries to allow dikes to be built in a timely fashion and undertake its residential isolation program.

The City continues to prepare its sewer system for the flood. All 34 of the City's flood pumping stations have been serviced and checked and are ready for this year's flood. New procedures for isolating our stormwater retention basins from the river in Fort Richmond and St. Norbert are now in place. Other sewer system control activities will be undertaken as the river rises.

Sandbags are currently available to protect against overland flooding. Winnipeg residents can pick-up sandbags at the following City of Winnipeg Public Works yards daily between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends:

Public Works Yard - North 1220 Pacific Ave (West End)
Public Works Yard - East 849 Ravelston Ave West (Transcona)
Public Works Yard - South 1539 Waverley St (Fort Garry)

Residents should bring personal identification to prove residency in Winnipeg, and are asked to take only the quantity they need to protect their homes from overland flooding free of charge. If night time temperatures are below freezing and sandbags are not protected or covered they may freeze, which can damage the sandbag.

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WINNIPEG - March 9, 2011 - With warmer temperatures on the way, the City of Winnipeg is steadily increasing the rate of production of sandbags needed to protect properties from spring flooding.

This week, the City's sandbag making capacity was increased significantly; three sandbag-making machines are now in operation and a fourth machine is scheduled to join the production line over the coming days. To boost ongoing daytime production, a night shift has been added at two City of Winnipeg Public Works yards.

"This year, sandbag production started about a month earlier than the usual start date," said Manager of Streets Maintenance, Ken Boyd. "By the end of the day today, the City will have over 350,000 sandbags stockpiled and ready for use when required to protect against spring flooding."

Once prepared, sandbags are being stockpiled in warm storage facilities prior to being distributed later this month to properties at risk of spring flooding.

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WINNIPEG - February 24, 2011 -

• Based on today's Provincial flood forecast, there are no changes to our flood protection activities.
• Under median (or average) conditions:
  • we could expect a flood equal to a 2009 event with levels between James 21 to 23.
• Under an upper decile condition of either adverse weather or adverse snowmelt:
  • we could expect a flood similar to 1997 with levels about 25 ft James, which is still significant for the city.
• We have taken a number of steps to improve the city's level of flood protection since 1997:
  • the Floodway's west dike has been raised and extended as part of the Floodway expansion project, so we don't have to worry about the failure of a temporary west dike (z-dike)
  • we developed a computerized geographic information system (GIS) flood manual that can quickly prescribe flood protection activities; it proved very effective in dealing with the 2005, 2006 and 2009 flood
  • we have rebuilt or improved a number of our gate chambers that isolate the river from our sewer system – mostly land drainage
  • we have built two new flood pumping stations (Hawthorne, Kildare)
  • we have built new dikes for some of the lowest lying properties within Winnipeg.
• We continue to plan our flood fighting efforts around the Province's upper decile forecast.
  • Approximately 690 properties outside of the City's primary dike line will require sand bagging.
  • We have been able to pare down our sandbag list from 3.6 million bags to around 1.8 million bags by using clay dikes.
  • We sent letters last week to "at-risk" properties advising people of the flood forecast and what needs to be done.
  • Surveyors will be out starting March 7 to check elevations of these properties.
  • One sandbagging machine is operating now and two more machines will be operating starting Monday, February 28.
  • We purchased 9 km of Hesco bags (for sand) to use for the City's primary dike raises. We expect our first shipment by Friday and the remaining part of our shipment next week. Hesco was successfully used by Fargo/Moorhead in their 2009 and 2010 floods.
  • We have been actively reviewing flood protection requirements for our sewer system and have rented additional temporary pumps.

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WINNIPEG - February 23, 2011 - On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, City Council unanimously approved the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. The $1,000,000 program, funded by both the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba, is designed to provide the incentive homeowners need to install one or both devices that will help protect their homes from basement flooding.

The subsidy is 60 per cent of the invoiced cost, including eligible labour, materials, permit(s) and taxes, up to a maximum of:

• $1,000 for installing an in-line backwater valve only,
• $2,000 for installing a sump pit drainage system only,
• $3,000 for installing both an in-line backwater valve and a sump pit drainage system.

The subsidy is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to Winnipeg residents owning a home serviced by a City wastewater sewer who install one or both of these protective devices:

• an in-line backwater valve approved by the Manitoba Plumbing Code,
• a sump pit drainage system that meets the requirements of the Winnipeg Building By-law and the Lot Grading By-law.

The subsidy is not available:

to any homes that were required by Building or Plumbing Codes to have a backwater valve and/or sump pit drainage system installed at the time of construction,

for backflow devices that are installed in the floor drain, or

to homeowners that have outstanding amounts owing to the City of Winnipeg.

To be eligible for the subsidy, homeowners must:

• ensure the required permits are taken out and the eligible device(s) are installed on or after May 1, 2010,
• ensure their contractor takes out the permit if they want to claim labour costs,
• ensure the eligible installations are inspected and approved by a City of Winnipeg inspector,
• submit an application form and original receipts within one year of the date of final inspection.

Residents can find the application form, complete eligibility criteria, and other program details by phoning 311 or by visiting http://winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/.

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WINNIPEG - January 27, 2011 - Details of the proposed City of Winnipeg Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program are now available online at winnipeg.ca. The cost-sharing program was announced on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, by Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Sam Katz.

The subsidy program, which is subject to City Council approval, is intended to help homeowners protect their basements from flooding caused by overloaded sewers during severe weather, such as heavy rain and high river levels, or sewer backup from a plugged or collapsed sewer.

If approved, the program would offer homeowners a one-time subsidy on a first-come, first-served basis. The total value of the subsidy program is $1,000,000. This means there would be a limited number of homeowners that could qualify for subsidies, each year.

To be eligible for 60 per cent of the invoiced cost, including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes, up to a maximum of $3,000, applicants must:

• have been the current owner of a residential building (single family home, duplex, multi-family) serviced by a City of Winnipeg wastewater sewer at the time of the eligible installation
• not have outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City of Winnipeg at the time the application is processed.
• have installed an in-line backwater valve approved by the Manitoba Plumbing Code and/or a sump pit drainage system with a final inspection date on or after May 1, 2010.
• hire a plumbing contractor currently licensed by the City of Winnipeg to perform the eligible installation.
• ensure that appropriate permits are obtained from the Planning, Property and Development Department, and arrange for the necessary inspection of the eligible installation. The in-line backwater valve or sump pit drainage system must be installed to function as designed.
• ensure water collected in the sump pit drainage system is drained in compliance with the City of Winnipeg Lot Grading By-Law.

Application forms will not be available until the program is considered by Council.

For information on the program, homeowners and plumbing contractors can visit winnipeg.ca or call 311.

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WINNIPEG - January 25, 2011 - The first flood forecast for spring 2011 issued by the Province yesterday indicates that river levels in Winnipeg could reach 25.0 feet James Avenue Datum. River levels reached 24.5 feet James Avenue in 1997 and 22.6 feet James Avenue in 2009.

"Based on the Province's outlook, we recognize there is potential for significant flooding this spring," said Mayor Sam Katz. "I can assure citizens that the City has been working diligently to prepare for the anticipated high river levels."

"While we are projecting the James Avenue level to be slightly above the 1997 level, the levels in the south end of Winnipeg could be slightly lower due to the high flows on the Assiniboine River. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and prepare for at least 25.0 feet James Avenue. As the spring event gets closer, we will identify properties at risk of flooding and notify property owners that require sandbag dikes," said Barry MacBride, Director of the City's Water and Waste Department.

Based on a level of 25.0 James Avenue, about 700 properties would need to be protected by temporary dikes. It is expected that:

• Three million sandbags would be required;
• 15 kilometres of primary dikes would need to be raised; and
• About 325 sewer system control activities would be required (e.g., operating flood gates, operating flood pumping stations, setting up temporary pumps), and about 420 manholes would require sealing.

"Public Works is a key partner in the City's flood response efforts," said Brad Sacher, Director of Public Works. "Over the coming weeks and months, as in the past, we will be coordinating sandbag production and delivery, dike construction and inspection, and activating a technical call centre to assist property owners."

To help protect against basement flooding, the City recommends homeowners take the following steps:

• Arrange for a licensed plumber to install an approved in-line backwater valve on a sewer line in the basement of your home. This device, if properly installed, automatically closes if sewage backs up from the main sewer. A backflow prevention device installed in the floor drain is not a Manitoba Plumbing Code approved backwater valve;
• Install a sump pit drainage system (includes a sump pit, a sump pump and a pump discharge pipe);
• Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly; and
• Improve drainage around your house and extend downspouts so that water flows away from your house and doesn't pool next to the basement walls or basement windows.

Residents who live along the river should move or secure any structures or equipment near the water's edge, such as docks, sheds, gazebos, irrigation pumps and recreational equipment.

More information is available on the following web pages:

Province of Manitoba Flood Forecast
http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/floodinfo/forecasts_reports.html

City of Winnipeg EmergWeb
http://www.winnipeg.ca/emergweb/

Winnipeg's Primary Dike System
http://winnipeg.ca/emergweb/Flood/PrimaryDike.stm

Protect Your Home from Basement Flooding
http://winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/drainageFlooding/basementFlooding.stm

James Avenue Datum
http://winnipeg.ca/services/CityLife/HistoryOfWinnipeg/flood/james_ave_datum.stm

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Last update: 01.03.2013

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