‘We’ve got a head start’: Town of Minnedosa working to protect community as water levels rise

The Town of Minnedosa is the latest to declare a state of emergency due to extreme rainfall. Joseph Bernacki has details from the community.

Minnedosa is in a state of emergency as the Little Saskatchewan River is rising, threatening low-lying areas.

The town is working to shore up existing dikes and protect homes in the community with sandbags. Compared to previous floods that have hit the area, residents are hoping the chance to prepare will payoff this time around.

“The two floods, terrifying, traumatizing,” said Heather Hamilton.

Hamilton lives with her mom across from the river. Her family lost everything in their basement from the 2020 and 2022 floods. That’s why she isn’t messing around this time.

“The last four days I have been packing my basement and hauling everything upstairs. My mom is 86. She’s stressed out for sure. It’s bringing back some awful memories.”

John Mendrikis thinks they might have a chance against the rising waters this year.

“Sandbagging and the emergency action has been going on for a few days now and we’ve got a head start compared to four years ago,” he said.

Despite the positivity, there is still cause for concern. The town’s bison enclosure flooded out Tuesday morning, leaving the bison on a partial island.

Emergency officials said the town is not out of the woods yet.

“PTH-10 river has peaked, so therefore we’re expecting a lot of that water to come down through our spillway,” said Katianna Polejewski, the municipal emergency coordinator for the town.

Minnedosa Mayor Ken Cameron said the town has to be prepared for anything that can happen.

“We will still be on our toes for the next 48 hours for sure and beyond.”