City of Brandon Flash Flooding Preparedness Plan Remains in Place


July 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon Emergency Response Control Group has decided to maintain its high-water preparedness plan for the next number of weeks until the threat of flash flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley upstream from Brandon has completely passed.

While officials with the Province of Manitoba have indicated today that recent on-site investigations at the Rivers Dam have not shown any significant damage and have allowed them to regain their confidence in the structure, they also report that levels at the Rivers Dam spillway remain above flood stage and have the potential to remain that way for a number of days. As a precaution, provincial officials continue to monitor the dam on a 24 hour-basis until water levels recede further.

The Assiniboine River in Brandon was measured this morning (Monday, July 13th) at 1,166.08 feet above sea level, measured at First Street - this is well below flood stage in Brandon. However, in consultation with Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization staff and out of an abundance of caution should there be any unanticipated failure of the Rivers Dam structure in the coming days, the City of Brandon has made the decision to keep the intersection of Grand Valley Road (PR #457) and 18th Street North CLOSED until further notice.

Similarly, until the threat of any flash flooding has completely passed in Brandon, the City of Brandon would encourage all residents & businesses who received evacuation preparation notices earlier this month to remain at the ready to evacuate on short notice should such an order be given. More information on this preparedness process can be found on the City of Brandon website here: https://www.brandon.ca/2020-flood/pre-evacuation-notice.

Queen Elizabeth Park and Dinsdale Park both remain CLOSED TO PUBLIC ACCESS this week as a public safety measure. All public are asked to respect the barricades and signage that have been put in place in these greenspaces and are further asked to stay away from the Assiniboine River and STAY OFF of the dike infrastructure during this time.

Additional information on Assiniboine River levels and any changes in the status of potential flash flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley will be published on www.brandon.ca as it is available.