Flood water surrounds a home in the village of Cromer in southwestern Manitoba after incessant rainfall caused flooding, forcing the evacuation of approximately 30 residents. Photo by Tim Smith
CARMAN & COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE NOTRE-DAME MACGREGOR & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OAKVILLE & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TREHERNE & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Above: The Portage and District Chamber of Commerce is working to mitigate the impact of future floods. Right: Flood waters from the rising Assiniboine River cover 1st Street North in a couple places last May. Photo by Tim Smith
noting loss of revenue can create a trickle- down effect, especially when flooding is a regular occurrence. “The lack of a long-term flood prevention plan is hurting not only our local producers, but our economy,” Davidson says. “It is alarming that what used to be labelled a ‘once in a generation’ flood is becoming more commonplace and happening year after year. “The fact that farmers, producers and local businesses can’t count on their government to come up with a better, faster system of getting claims processed, (of getting) money back in the hands of producers, and of looking at new, innovative ways to help ease the impact of rising
waters is alarming.” Davidson says the MCC will continue to meet with the province to stress the need for immediate action, and to raise awareness of the issues and how they effect all Manitobans. “Flooding has a major impact on all areas of the province — I don’t think everyone understands that,” he says. “Flooding can impact the price of your groceries, future dollars available for infrastructure, your travel plans, etc. “The Portage Chamber is taking a proactive approach to help get the discussions going on what can be done to help mitigate the damage and lessen the impact when Mother Nature strikes … and she will.” ■
27 MBiz | November 2014
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