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CEO's Message
After the 1997 flood, the Governments of Canada and Manitoba committed to improving flood protection throughout the Red River Valley. As a result, $130 million in flood protection improvements were made, including $110 million for rural residents in the Red River Basin. To complement this investment and to better protect the residents of Winnipeg, both levels of government also committed to expanding the Red River Floodway. In September, 2005, the Red River Floodway Expansion Project was officially kicked off. The project, which is considered one of the largest and most significant public infrastructure projects in Manitoba’s history, is a massive undertaking that has employed thousands of Manitobans. The project involves the expansion of the floodway channel, the expansion of the Outlet Control Structure, improvements to the Inlet Control Structure, replacement of eight highway and railway bridges, expansion of the West Dike, and modifications to various utilities that cross the floodway. In the spring of 2009, the floodway expansion project achieved is main goal of providing 1-in-700 year flood protection. This was largely achieved through excavation of the floodway channel which has increased the floodway’s capacity from of the 1,700 cubic metres (60,000 cubic feet) of water per second to 4,000 cubic metres (140,000 cubic feet) per second – more than doubling the floodway’s original capacity. By providing 1-in-700 year flood protection, the floodway project has provided greater flood protection for more than 450,000 residents, 140,000 homes, 8,000 businesses and will prevent $12 billion in flood damages in the event of a 1-in-700 year flood. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Manitoba Floodway Authority, and as the project nears completion, I would like to thank all those that have worked with us – workers, engineers, consultants, federal, provincial, and municipal leaders, and the general public – to improve Winnipeg’s flood protection. Together, we have built upon the legacy of Duff Roblin, who was the driving force behind the construction of the original floodway, and ensured that Winnipeg is protected for years to come.
Ernie Gilroy |
Since its completion in 1968, the Red River floodway has operated 28 of the 42 years, and has saved Manitobans more than $30 billion in flood damage. During the 1997 "Flood of the Century", however, the floodway’s capacity was pushed to its limit.
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