Ottawa takes step in moving massive Manitoba flood-mitigation project forward
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/03/2020 (2421 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A federal regulator is inviting public comment on a $540-million flood-mitigation project in Manitoba.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada announced Monday it is conducting an environmental assessment of the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels project.
Written comments are being accepted until April 23.
The province also announced it has released its Environmental Impact Statement on the project for public comment.
Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said Monday Manitoba is eager to begin the next phase of the environmental assessment process, which is the technical review.
The province will also begin the formal consultation process with affected Indigenous groups.
The massive project is being cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments. It’s designed to reduce flooding around the two large lakes.
Schuler said the province has already spent more than $50 million in consultation and preliminary engineering, design and preparatory work.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issued a press release Monday reminding Canada of its duty to consult and accommodate First Nations.
“It is no longer acceptable for any government to conduct assessments and grant approval for construction of infrastructure without First Nations consultation and participation,” AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said.
“First Nations need to be full participants as it relates to the discussion on the potential environmental effects of the project and any proposed measures to prevent or mitigate those effects,” he said.
Dumas said Ottawa cannot simply issue an open invitation to the general public and Indigenous groups to comment online up and until April 23.
The duty to consult and accommodate, he said, requires “First Nation-based meetings and dialogue.”
The Lake St. Martin outlet channel is part of a massive $540-million flood-mitigation project announced last year designed to reduce flooding around that lake, as well as Lake Manitoba. The projects are still awaiting full environmental approval.
larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca