City of Brandon Preparing For Potential Assiniboine River Flooding

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Emergency Response Control Group is readying for the potential of flooding on the Assiniboine River due to anticipated severe thunderstorms in the next 24 hours.

The significant rainfall experienced in the Brandon area on Sunday, June 28^th caused the Assiniboine River in Brandon to rise two (2) feet in a 24-hour period. With additional significant rainfall expected this evening and into the morning of Wednesday, July 1^st, there is a high likelihood that low-lying areas along the Assiniboine River may see overland flooding. As of mid-day today, the Assiniboine River was measured at 1,170.35 feet above sea level, measured at First Street. An important reminder to the public that the City of Brandon’s earthen dike system has an elevation of 1,184 feet above sea level, measured at First Street. River levels are updated daily at http://opengov.brandon.ca/catalog.php?dataset=riverlevel.

Pumps are in place in areas where drainage may be required and preliminary plans are being made should the need arise to close the dike opening at the intersection of 18th Street North and Grand Valley Road (Provincial Road #459). The City of Brandon Emergency Response Control Group asks that all residents and visitors to Brandon to stay away from the Assiniboine River and STAY OFF of the dike infrastructure during this time, as the situation is very unpredictable and may result in rapidly-rising river levels and dangerous river speeds.

Meanwhile, City of Brandon Operations crews continue to respond to issues of standing water and fallen trees from Sunday’s rainstorm. Calls for service from Public Works or Parks & Recreation Services staff can be directed to 204-729-2285. Instances of damage to City-maintained trees should also be phoned in to the above number and, if it is safe to do so, residents can greatly assist City efforts by moving any tree debris off of the street or laneway so that it is not impeding traffic until crews can attend.

For residents needing such, empty sandbags and access to sand are available at the Civic Services Complex (900 Richmond Avenue East) on a first-come, first-served, fill-your-own-bags basis DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS, which are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but CLOSED on Canada Day.

For Brandon residents who have experienced or may experience water in their homes as a result of these rainfalls, clean-up kits provided by the Canadian Red Cross are available to the public for pick-up at Brandon City Hall (410-9^th Street). These kits include an anti-mold cleaning product, mop, rags, rubber gloves and a face mask and can be picked up at Brandon City Hall via the Louise Avenue entrance during regular business hours.

(City of Brandon Media Release)