Townhall Meeting in St. Laurent
On August 2 the Recreation Centre was the scene of a second townhall meeting since the flood
event began in May. Over two hundred people came out to hear presentations from
the Province and the RMs of St. Laurent and Woodlands.
Ron Weatherburn, representing Infrastructure and Transportation, reviewed the consultant report
released the previous week. A series of visuals depicted key parts to the
report ending with the recommendations: to channel from Lake St. Martin toward
Lake Winnipeg and to allow maximum flow out of the Fairford River Water Control
Structure (FRWCS) through the winter. Government projections are that this
would reduce the level of Lake Manitoba to 813.1 by mid-April, 2012. Once accomplished two additional actions are recommended: to construct a by-pass channel around the north side of the FRWCS and to expand the emergency channel out of Lake St. Martin thus reducing Lake
Manitoba water level another six inches. In response to a question from the
floor, he indicated that the work on the emergency channel had begun and that the by-pass would begin over the winter.
Gerald Huebner,
assistant Deputy Minister representing MAFRE presented the various flood
assistance programs. He stressed the importance of registering at 855-220-1822
before September 1, 2011. He noted that the recognition of seasonal property
owners was unprecedented. Many speakers challenged the fairness of funding
discrepancies in the program between year-round and seasonal owners noting that
the flood event was a man-made disaster caused by the water diverted to the
lake through Portage La Prairie. Suggestions were made to stream-line the
application process by having a single-form developed and shared among the
government funding agencies. The compensation figure that will be used for
property will be based on pre-flood appraised value.
Water stewardship
was represented by Eugene Kozera whose main focus was on mitigation programs.
Many questions arose over the exclusion of shore line erosion from the program.
People wanted to know the figure that the government was using in approving
permanent dikes. We were told that the number would vary depending on the
location of properties along the lake. His best advice was that the inspectors
who were there to help develop plans that met criteria would have a better
sense of the approved height on a per property basis. He reminded us that there
was a two thousand dollar amount available to hire engineers to design these
structures.
We have been told that a mailing will be undertaken to property owners registered with MASC that
will attempt to summarize some of the specific program components. Information
will be forwarded to MAFRE so that residents without access to computers will be placed on the mailing list.
The chairperson summarized the position of the Twin Lakes Beach Association that the preferred
lake height be 810 above sea level and that we only recognize property owners – without distinguishing between seasonal
and permanent residents. He underscored the importance of registering for
compensation before September 1.
The presenters were thanked for their input into an emotionally charged gathering and for
agreeing to take some of our concerns and ideas back to their respective ministers.
Because of the time given to questions and answers with the Provincial reps, The RM of St.
Laurent gave a brief report on the status of roads and access to properties and
notification of property tax statements to be mailed out shortly. In response
to a question about security lapses Reeve Zotter acknowledged the problem and
indicated that there are on-going talks with the security company. He welcomes
constructive suggestions for improving the system. A resident from Sugar Point said that they
noted improvements when local people were hired to accompany security patrols. The RM of Woodlands
gave a report and update on the construction of the road at the south end of Twin Beach Road. He
encouraged Woodlands residents to obtain an access permit from the RM office
that would simply their access through checkpoints. In response to a question
about the availability of sandbags now that access is improved, he indicated
that he was unaware of supplies but would look into the matter.
The presentation by the councillors ended on a positive note with thanks from one audience
member for the road improvements.
