The next phase of the Manitoba government’s proposed plans for the construction of the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels will be presented at a series of open house sessions, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.

“These are major flood management projects and will be as essential as the Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion in provincial flood-fighting efforts,” said Schuler.  “Manitoba is a collection point of major watersheds that start outside of the province but can result in widespread flooding, devastation, costly cleanup and years of restoration.”

Open house topics will include environmental approvals, design and construction, and the next steps in the delivery of this major flood infrastructure project.  There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the operation of the Portage Diversion.  The diversion moves Assiniboine River water north into Lake Manitoba during heavy spring flooding and unusual summer storms.  The waters of the Assiniboine and Red rivers and Lake Manitoba through the Fairford River all eventually flow into Lake Winnipeg and north to the northern river systems.

“The projects are designed to provide maximum water movement in times of heavy flooding with minimal impact to landowners and the environment,” said Schuler.  “This will be the third round of open house information sessions to ensure residents have the opportunity to review plans and ask questions.”

The open houses feature two sessions from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and are scheduled for:
•    Tuesday, June 19 – Moosehorn Community Hall, Railway Avenue, Moosehorn;
•    Wednesday, June 20 – St. Laurent Recreation Centre Lot 826, PTH 6 St., 6 Veteran’s Memorial Dr., St. Laurent;
•    Thursday, June 21 – Canad Inns Destination Centre, 2401 Saskatchewan Ave., Portage la Prairie;
•    Wednesday, June 27 – Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg.

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