‘A big lake’: Winnipegger fed up with constant flooding on St. Boniface street

A St. Boniface homeowner is calling on the city to do more to combat ongoing flooding on her street.

Every time it rains, Gay Pagan knows what to expect on her St. Boniface street.

“A big lake. We get it regularly,” she told CTV News on Tuesday, standing in front of a large puddle on the corner of Pine Bluff and Pebble Beach roads.

This particular pond is the aftermath of Sunday’s rain and has still not cleared days later.

According to Pagan, the flooding happens on both ends of her street, slowing traffic to a standstill and rendering sidewalks impassable.

She said the water has been so deep at times, a couple of gallons have seeped through her car doors as she tried to drive through.

“I’m worried my car door is going to rust out now so I’m thinking of claiming it with MPI,” Pagan said.

Even before the stormy summer weather rolls through, Pagan’s water-logged street can become a big ice jam in the spring.

Pagan estimates this his has been going on for about five or six years.

She said she’s called the city every year, but believes not enough has been done to stop the deluge.

“I’m very frustrated,” she said. “I would like it fixed and would at least like someone from the city to contact us because I’m not the only one who has put in a concern on 311.”

In an email to CTV News, a city spokesperson said they are aware of the issue and a crew is scheduled to visit the site Wednesday to clear water from the street and catch basins.

However, the city believes the real problem stems from the ditch along nearby Fermor Avenue, which could be solved with a larger clearing.

“By clearing it, rainwater would be able flow properly in the ditch and into our land drainage sewers,” the email said.

“A crew is scheduled to clear the ditch next week. We expect the clearing to take one to two weeks. “

- With files from CTV’s Scott Andersson and Daniel Halmarson