WINNIPEG — A devastating second wave of flooding has swamped already-waterlogged communities in Manitoba’s Parkland area, washing out major highways and forcing the complete closure of a provincial park. The sudden deluge has left campers, cottagers, lodge guests, and service staff stranded, completely cutting off access to the affected regions.
The crisis comes as a bitter blow to an area still actively recovering from another major flash flood that occurred just three weeks ago. Local residents expressed shock at the rapid return of the high waters, describing the renewed flooding as returning “with a vengeance” just as clean-up efforts were underway.
The latest flooding was triggered by the same weather system that brought severe thunderstorms to the western part of the province, dumping torrential rain and leaving residents scrambling to protect their homes. In the community of Minitonas, located about 365 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, volunteers mobilized rapidly to produce and distribute over 5,000 sandbags via all-terrain vehicles to help residents fortify their properties.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure reported that multiple roads have been closed due to extensive washouts, including significant portions of Highway 10 and Highway 83. Larry Mychalchuk, reeve of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, stated that emergency crews have been forced to intentionally cut open certain roads to allow the fast-moving water to flow through, noting that conditions are changing “minute by minute.”
South of the municipality, Duck Mountain Provincial Park was completely shut down after sustaining multiple road washouts. Manitoba Parks confirmed that all four major access points on provincial roads 366 and 367 are closed, and officials have instructed all individuals currently inside the park to remain in place until the infrastructure can be safely reopened.
While no immediate injuries have been reported, business owners in the park note that the current flooding is far more severe than the earlier event. Cam McIntyre, owner of Wellman Lake Lodge, mentioned that while his lodge currently has enough supplies, a prolonged power outage caused by downed utility poles could quickly escalate the situation.
The flooding has also severely impacted the town of Swan River, as well as the municipalities of Roblin, Gilbert Plains, and the city of Dauphin. Gilbert Plains has officially declared a local state of emergency, and several municipal governments are urging residents to strictly limit their water usage to reduce the catastrophic strain on local wastewater treatment systems.
A provincial spokesperson warned that waterways across western Manitoba have reached “dangerous high water conditions” and strongly recommended against any non-essential travel in the region. Meanwhile, Manitoba Hydro reported that washed-out roads and downed poles have completely severed access to communities like Childs Lake, Benito, Minitonas, and Swan River, making it an immense challenge for utility crews to reach the sites and restore power.
