Archived - 2011 Manitoba flood: status of community rebuilding and numbers of displaced persons

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Severe flooding in Manitoba in 2011 caused serious damage to housing and infrastructure and led to people evacuating from 18 First Nations communities. The First Nations, together with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Province of Manitoba, have since been rebuilding and working to return those still displaced.

Communities continue to be rebuilt so they are safe and flood-protected for remaining evacuees to return home.

The rebuilding effort reflects ISC's building back better emergency management recovery framework that centers on supporting the restoration of communities and assets in a manner that achieves two things:

  1. Reduces the vulnerability of First Nations communities to disasters
  2. Strengthens the First Nations' community resilience

Approximately 3,000 residents have returned to the Lake St. Martin area First Nations communities of Little Saskatchewan, Dauphin River, Pinaymootang and Lake St. Martin, as well as the Interlake communities of Peguis and Ebb and Flow.

As of May 1, 2021, 91 people remain evacuated from Peguis First Nation where recovery efforts continue.

In some cases, where evacuees with special needs require additional support, ISC covers hotel accommodation. The Canadian Red Cross has evaluated the situations of the evacuees staying in hotels.

Evacuees by First Nation

First Nation Hotel Extended stay hotel Private Total
Peguis 1 0 90 91

The Government of Canada recognizes the difficult situation of those still evacuated and considers their health and safety a priority. We are also taking action to improve the quality of emergency services received by all First Nations communities.

Prevention and mitigation efforts are crucial in avoiding future situations such as those resulting from the 2011 Manitoba flood. To date, ISC has invested more than $80 million to protect Manitoba First Nations from future flooding.

This includes about $54.9 million to construct permanent dikes or make temporary dikes permanent at 11 Manitoba First Nations: Sioux Valley, Opaskwayak, Canupawakpa, Sandy Bay, Ebb and Flow, Lake Manitoba, O Chi Chak Ko Sipi, Little Saskatchewan, Poplar River, Berens River, and Kinonjeoshtegon. A permanent ring dike has also been in place at Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation since 2004.

ISC emergency management

Each First Nation has managed its respective flood recovery project. This includes the allocation of houses, which is the responsibility of the First Nation. Detailed questions about plans and status should be directed to the Band Council. Below is a general listing on the status of projects.

Lake St. Martin

There was extensive damage to housing and infrastructure in 2011. All housing and infrastructure needed replacement. To prevent future flooding, the entire community has been rebuilt in a new location at a higher elevation.

Little Saskatchewan

Dauphin River

Pinaymootang First Nation

Ebb and Flow

Peguis

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