City officials watching river as more rain likely to fall in Westman

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This article was published 22/05/2011 (5365 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Here comes the rain — and city officials are waiting to see its potential impact on the fall of the flooded Assiniboine River.

Mayor Shari Decter Hirst said city officials are not only watching for the rain’s impact in Brandon, but also upstream.

"We’re just keeping an eye to find out how it’s going to impact the river levels," Decter Hirst said on Saturday during the city’s regular flood update.

"It’s not what we were looking for, we’re hoping that the river has gone down enough that we can absorb the rain as it comes through."

The Brandon region is expected to receive 30 to 50 mm of rain this weekend with winds up to 60 km/h.

While the Assiniboine River in Brandon fell by 19 cm (7 1/2 inches) between Friday and Saturday — and is expected to fall by another 91.4 cm (three feet) by the end of the month — forecasters are still working out the potential impact of the rain on the fall of the Assiniboine River.

Yesterday, the province said the rain means water in several tributaries will drop more slowly, or there may even be a small increase.

Depending on how much rain falls, the Assiniboine and Souris rivers could see another crest, although a lower crest than others earlier this month.

Nonetheless, Decter Hirst said she was confident the city could adjust.

Pumps, for example, will divert rain from the storm sewer system into the river.

High flows at the wastewater lift station on Hilton Avenue remain higher than usual, but pumps are keeping that flow under control, the city reported.

Yesterday’s update came as Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen paid a visit to Brandon to tour flood-affected areas.

He met with Decter Hirst and business owners who have been affected by the flood.

He called on the NDP government to quickly deliver on a compensation program for those affected by the flood and its evacuations.

He also called on the government to follow through on measures to protect businesses and homes from future floods.

"I don’t think there’s any reason to believe that this is a one-off flood," McFadyen said.

He said the NDP has failed to deliver on flood protection measures it promised in 2006.

In other flood news:

* Decter Hirst put out a call for volunteers to help care for evacuated pets.

The volunteers are needed to help with the daytime Pet Care Program at the Reception Centre at the Keystone Centre between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The idea is to get pets out of their hotel rooms and give them a little love, Decter Hirst said, whether it’s by walking dogs or petting cats.

"The animals need you, we need you," she said. "Dog walkers, dog petters, dog sitters, it would sure be appreciated."

Volunteers can call 729-2186.

* Drivers are asked to be careful as several large, slow-moving military convoys are travelling along the Trans-Canada Highway this holiday weekend.

* A fundraising barbecue will be held today from noon to 4 p.m. at Sobeys South (1645 18th St.)

Proceeds from food and drink sales at the event, hosted by city Coun. Stephen Montague (Richmond), will go to the United Way’s Community Emergency Relief Program to help residents who face financial troubles due to the flood.

Donations will also be accepted.