Playing rain politics

By: Editorial Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Friday, Jun. 4, 2010

The impact of last weekend's rainstorm in Winnipeg is seen in the number of homes that were affected by flooding, particularly overland flooding. Some suffered because water had nowhere to flow because ditches, retention ponds, waterways and the sewer system were overloaded. It may be that the 420 properties deluged by overland water can make a claim for provincial assistance.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/06/2010 (5861 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The impact of last weekend’s rainstorm in Winnipeg is seen in the number of homes that were affected by flooding, particularly overland flooding. Some suffered because water had nowhere to flow because ditches, retention ponds, waterways and the sewer system were overloaded. It may be that the 420 properties deluged by overland water can make a claim for provincial assistance.

Legally, however, the City of Winnipeg owes no financial compensation, unless the odd homeowner, particularly among the 200 who suffered sewer backup, can prove the city was negligent in its operations.

But Mayor Sam Katz this week told media that while the city is technically not on the hook, a political decision may offer some relief to homeowners dealing with the fallout of record rainfalls — eastern parts of the city were hit with 100-plus millimetres of rain in short order, overwhelming the system of sewer and water pipes, pumping stations and retention ponds. Both the Assiniboine and Red rivers were near flood stages on Sunday.

It is politically expedient for an incumbent mayor, five months from an election, to help pay for damages caused by rain, but Mr. Katz should explain himself. How can he justify financial help in the absence of evidence that the water and waste system did not operate as intended, or that actions by employees did not hamper the proper operation of that system?

The enormous storm that took all of Winnipeg by surprise last weekend was as near a freak weather event as the city has seen in a long, long time. The system — antiquated and in need of replacement in some sections — was simply not built to meet those demands. It is the system that taxpayers have supported.

To offer aid in the absence of liability is to set a precedent that would put the city on the hook for generations. Mr. Katz notes that it is up to politicians to do the right thing. It is also politically self-serving to make voters happy at opportune times, but a good mayor protects the city’s interest to protect the interests of all taxpayers.