Dozens of highways still out of commission

WINNIPEG — Thirty-five highways remain closed weeks after torrential rain caused destructive flooding in several Manitoba communities. Crews continue to assess flood damage and repair roads and highways as conditions [...]

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After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks. WINNIPEG — Thirty-five highways remain closed weeks after torrential rain caused destructive flooding in several Manitoba communities. Crews continue to assess flood damage and repair roads and highways as conditions allow, after historic precipitation washed away many routes.

Some areas in the Parkland region of the province received more than 200 millimetres of rain between June 6 and July 1. The majority of road closures are in the Roblin area. A storm at the end of June undid a lot of repair work in the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman after an early June deluge, officials said.

The municipality’s chief administrative officer said 70 areas within the region’s road network require repairs, which will come at a steep cost, but are necessary to keep residents connected to the rest of the province. “We’re patiently waiting for Highway 10 to open up, but that’s still ways away,” said Lynda Parsons. “We’re probably looking towards the end of August, beginning of September for that.”

Highway 10 is a main vein for residents and agricultural producers, who will soon be preparing for harvest. The highway is closed in four separate areas, which includes multiple roads that connect to it, the province said. Crews are working on repairs near Swan River, which will give Minitonas-Bowsman residents direct access to the town, Parsons said.

Those repairs could be completed as early as next week. About 1,800 Manitobans who applied for provincial disaster financial assistance will soon receive a $500 advance. A provincial spokesperson said cheques were put in the mail on Monday and Wednesday.

The remainder of advances will be issued once the province receives necessary information from claimants. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the June storms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan caused more than $728 million in insured damage. In total, 55 communities remain under flood-related states of local emergency.

Communities are beginning to take stock of damaged infrastructure as they dry out. Dauphin’s Vermillion Park, including its campground, was forced to close for the season due to damage caused by overland flooding. Mayor David Bosiak estimated there was about $250,000 worth of damage to the park’s splash pad and washrooms.

» Winnipeg Free Press, with files from The Canadian Press