Work starts on $61.1M flood dikes for Peguis, Fisher River

Work has begun on a $61.1-million first phase of long-term flood protection for Peguis First Nation and Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba’s Interlake region, the federal and provincial governments and the two Nations said this week.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced on Oct. 21 that Canada, Manitoba and the two First Nations have started Phase 1 of the initiative, according to a release posted by Fisher River Cree Nation.

The first phase will build clay dikes to protect the central community area of Peguis and up to about 500 vulnerable homes across both communities. It also includes local road improvements meant to reduce overtopping and keep access open during floods.

Manitoba estimates the work will cost $61.1 million. Indigenous Services Canada said it will reimburse eligible costs through its Emergency Management Assistance Program. The province also approved $15.9 million earlier for emergency flood preparedness and response in both communities, including temporary flood protection and road repairs, with eligible costs reimbursed the same way.

“For generations, the people of Peguis have endured repeated flooding, displacement and uncertainty,” Peguis Chief Stan Bird said in the release. “Today marks an important step forward.”

Speaking to CTV News, Bird said the community has asked both levels of government for this help for years. “It’s long overdue,” he said. “It’s a start.” He added that “we’re talking generations of our people who have been affected by the flood.”

Fisher River Cree Nation Chief David Crate said his community “welcomes this collaborative investment in practical, long-term flood protection.” In a statement carried by CTV, he said enhancing protections for homes, access routes and essential infrastructure “will help reduce flood risks.”

Gull-Masty said in the release that Canada is working “in full partnership” with the two Nations. “These measures reflect our shared commitment to addressing long-standing risks and protecting what matters most,” she said. Naylor said the investments reflect Manitoba’s commitment to working with First Nations and the federal government on lasting solutions.

Fisher River’s director of operations, Lorne Cochrane, told CTV the measures give “a comfort that we can do things without having to worry.” Peguis resident Fred Sinclair told the broadcaster that floodwater once reached halfway up his basement and that he lost everything stored there.

Peguis, about 160 kilometres north of Winnipeg, has been hit by repeated floods. CTV reported that more than 100 people were displaced by high water in 2014, and the 2022 flood forced many more from their homes. Winnipeg Today reported that some residents have still not returned, and that earlier federal commitments after the 2022 flood were not followed by construction until now.

The announcement comes as First Nations leaders prepare to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney and premiers in Ottawa on Monday. See our earlier coverage of that meeting, of the First Nations Clean Water Act and of the $163.5 million in federal and Manitoba policing funding for First Nations.

Sources: Fisher River Cree Nation release on Phase 1 flood mitigation (fisherriver.ca); CTV News via CP24; Winnipeg Today.

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