Evacuated Lake St. Martin-area Manitoba First Nations reach final phase of rebuilding efforts to return home

WINNIPEG, June 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada, Manitoba, and the First Nations of Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Dauphin River, and Pinaymootang are working together to bring home residents displaced by severe flooding in 2011.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, today commended the leadership and members of the flood-impacted First Nations as they enter the final phase of efforts to rebuild community infrastructure and bring all evacuees home.

In 2011, southern Manitoba had one of the most severe and extensive floods on record, resulting, at its peak, in over 3,000 evacuees from 18 First Nations. Due to extensive damage and the need for rebuilding and repairs, approximately 1,600 band members remain evacuated from Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Dauphin River, and Pinaymootang First Nations.

The final phase of rebuilding efforts are underway, including new housing units, schools, fire halls, water and wastewater facilities and more. It is anticipated that all work and repatriation efforts will be completed by November 2019. 

Quotes

"I would like to recognize the strength and resilience of those affected by the severe flooding in 2011. This has been a very challenging time for Lake St. Martin-area First Nations. Our department has remained steadfast in supporting the rebuilding efforts of these communities and returning evacuees home as soon and as safely as possible. I am very happy that the final phase of these efforts is now underway."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick Facts

Lake St. Martin

• Lake St. Martin First Nation has 1,040 evacuees as of May 29, 2018. Approximately 300 evacuees have returned to the community over the winter and spring of 2018, with another 175 evacuees expected to return over the summer of 2018. It's anticipated the evacuation will end in November 2019.
• There are currently 190 housing units ready for occupancy. Work continues on another 130 units that are estimated to be done in November 2019.
• All required infrastructure has been completed. A public works garage, fire hall, temporary administration office, and water and wastewater treatment and distribution facilities are complete. 
• A new K-12 school is scheduled for completion in September 2018 and a temporary school opened in May 2018.

Little Saskatchewan

• Little Saskatchewan First Nation has approximately 332 evacuees as of May 29, 2018. Approximately 100 evacuees have returned to the community and it's anticipated that all evacuees who wish to return home will be able to by October 2018.
• There are currently 77 housing units finished and occupied, with another 93 units estimated to be done in October 2018.
• Construction of infrastructure is ongoing. A fire hall, garage and temporary administration office have been completed. A transfer station and a church to replace the original damaged church are both scheduled for completion in June 2019.

Dauphin River

• Dauphin River First Nation has approximately 237 evacuees as of May 29, 2018. Evacuees who wish to return home can now begin returning to the community. The evacuation will end by August 2018.
• There are currently 54 housing units ready for occupancy, with another 16 units to be ready by July 2018.
• All required infrastructure has been completed. A transfer station is scheduled for completion in June 2018. A new K-8 school is scheduled for completion in August 2018 and the temporary school is in place. A temporary administration office and a temporary health centre have been built, as well as new water and wastewater treatment and distribution facilities.

Pinaymootang

• Pinaymootang First Nation has three evacuees remaining and it's anticipated those evacuees will return by December 2018.
• There are currently 65 housing units finished and occupied, with another 44 units estimated to be done in December 2018.

Associated Links

Manitoba 2011 Flood Recovery
http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1392046127077/1392046402386

2011 Manitoba Flood Class Action
https://www.mckenzielake.com/practice-areas/class-actions-law/2011-manitoba-flood-class-proceeding

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

media may contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-934-2796; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160