Crews rushing to ready over 100 homes as flood threatens Manitoba First Nation

A large effort is underway to protect Peguis First Nation from flooding. CTV’s Jon Hendricks has more.

Work is underway to protect at-risk homes on Peguis First Nation in Manitoba as the community readies for a potential flood.

On Monday, crews deployed tiger dams and sandbags across the First Nation as part of its flood mitigation efforts.

Homeowner Allan Spence, who has lived in his home on Peguis for more than six decades, told CTV News he is grateful for the way the community is coming together to support him and each other.

This news comes the day after CTV News reported the arrival of volunteers from Team Rubicon Canada — a veteran-led organization that serves communities before, during and after disasters and crises.

The organization’s Manitoba director, Jim Sutton, said there is at least 18 inches of snow on the ground in the community, adding that at least 120 homes are in need of protection.

The province’s spring flood outlook forecasts the Interlake region, which Peguis is part of, is at risk of flooding due to a large accumulation of snow, a delayed melt and an increased likelihood of rapid spring runoff.

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The First Nation has been advised that if conditions remain unfavourable, it could see water levels similar to the 2022 flood. That year is considered one of the worst in the community and led to thousands being displaced and severe infrastructure damage.

The community, which is about 180 kilometres north of Winnipeg, has been hit with several floods in recent decades.

Peguis First Nation was relocated in 1907 under a surrender of land to the federal government that was later deemed illegal. That meant moving the community from good farming land near Winnipeg to its current location on a flood-prone river delta.

With files from The Canadian Press, Jon Hendricks and Harrison Shin