Peguis First Nation gets past flood threat, focused on improving area for the future

Peguis First Nation continues to protect homes and infrastructure amid concerns of flooding in the region. Jon Hendricks has more.

The Chief of Peguis First Nation said the threat of flooding has subsided and now the community is focused on working to develop a long-term solution to the community’s chronic and persistent flooding.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Chief Stan Bird said sandbagging and clay dikes helped protect homes in the community and kept many roads accessible.

“We have faced yet another serious threat of flooding. Despite this, I saw strength, unity and determination. People stepped up to protect their homes, their families and their community. Currently, the immediate flood threat has stabilized,” Bird said.

Peguis First Nation has been under a state of emergency for several days as initial forecasts showed flood levels that were similar to 2022, when around 2,000 people were forced from their homes.

However, the flood levels dissipated drastically over the last number of days, with most bodies of water peaking last week.

Even though the First Nation dodged any major flooding concerns this year, Bird said there are still issues that need to be addressed.

“We are seeing standing water in low-lying areas, saturated land across many parts of Peguis, ongoing impacts along Highway 224 and surrounding areas. This clearly indicates how much our land continues to be affected, not just during a flood but following (it).”

In the short term, Bird said the community will start a gradual removal of sandbags near the end of May, noting they want to keep things in place just in case any other concerns arise.

They are also working on bringing back people who were evacuated from their homes.

In the long term, Bird said this event has taught the community many things, including where they are still vulnerable, meaning changes need to be made.

“This is not about response anymore. It’s about long-term change. As a result of these lessons and insights, we are working on immediate improvements, including strengthening and reshaping clay dikes, improving road elevations and access, addressing drainage and water flow, considering protection for multiple homes rather than just one home at a time.”

As well, the community is looking at reviewing where houses should be and moving some to higher ground if needed, Bird said.