Too early to apply for redress for Whiteshell flooding
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/06/2016 (2831 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Manitoba may be eligible for federal disaster relief to cover infrastructure damage from massive rainfall this weekend in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
However, the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program does not apply to secondary residences, the province said.
“Officials are waiting for the water to recede in many areas before repairs can begin. It is too early to provide cost estimates until the full extent of the damage is revealed by receding water,” officials with the provincial department of sustainable development said Tuesday. It is “too early to determine if the total damage will qualify for federal DFAA assistance, but the province is monitoring this.”
As much as 136 mm of rain fell in the south Whiteshell Friday night and early Saturday morning, leading to widespread flooding, damage to docks, and heavy damage to roads and shoulders.
The province advised cottage owners Tuesday to check with their insurance providers about coverage.
Sustainable development has sent a sandbag-making machine to Caddy Lake for owners to protect their properties — the lake is reportedly still rising.
However, government officials said that no special measures are being taken to drain flooded and swollen lakes: “Water levels need to naturally go down, because any sudden draining could negatively impact other areas downstream. However, if any areas that normally drain are blocked, Manitoba Sustainable Development would work to clear them.”
Some minor repairs have already been made in the Falcon Lake area.
Many roads remain washed out, and voluntary evacuations remain in effect.
The province reported that:
— PR 312 from the junction of PTH 44 to the Ontario border remains closed;
— Temporary repairs have been made to the Falcon Lake South Shore Road, allowing for single-lane traffic to pass, and staff are directing traffic through the road, asking people to drive with caution;
— PR 307 in the north Whiteshell area is washed out near the CP tracks between Brereton Lake and Rennie, with motorists advised to travel via Seven Sisters;
— Other roads in the south Whiteshell area have also been affected and could deteriorate quickly, and driving with caution is advised; and
— Caddy Lake tunnels are closed.
— High water levels are affecting boathouses and docks along shorelines in the south Whiteshell area. Water may have reached two cottages on Caddy Lake and efforts have been made to contact the owners.
— The Mantario Trail remains impassable and the McGillivray Falls Trail has major washouts. Other trails in the area have yet to be assessed.
South Whiteshell residents and cottage owners can call 1-204-349-2201 for updated local information.
For the most recent information on road conditions or highway safety, visit www.manitoba511.ca, call 511 or follow the Twitter account for road closures at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads.
nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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