[Excerpts from Apr. 3 Government of Canada/Manitoba News Release]
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer today announced that their governments would each contribute $80 million towards the expansion of the Manitoba Red River Floodway. This is the largest federal-provincial infrastructure investment partnership in Manitoba since the construction of the floodway. The City of Winnipeg also confirmed its commitment over the next five years to funding municipal flood protection improvements that support flood control and diversion works.

The investments announced today build on the International Joint Commission’s recommendations included in the Living with the Red Report, published following the 1997 flood. The report called for the highest flood protection that can be economically justified or at least sufficient protection to deal with an event similar to the 1826 flood. The cost of completing the full project is estimated at $660 million. When fully completed, it will offer protection from a flood with a 1 in 700 years probability of occurrence.

The Government of Canada’s $80-million contribution will come from the $2-billion Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, through which it is working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as with the private sector, to respond to strategic infrastructure needs throughout the country. These investments are directed to large-scale projects of major national and regional significance, in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life for Canadians. Today’s announcements bring the Government of Canada’s investment in Manitoba’s infrastructure since 1994 to nearly $450 million.

Full Release
Infrastructure Canada

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