The provincial government have begun to put measures in place in preparation for a possible high runoff this spring, including setting up a special committee of ministers, while the City of Weyburn began preparations for the onset of snow melting.
The provincial government have begun to put measures in place in preparation for a possible high runoff this spring, including setting up a special committee of ministers, while the City of Weyburn began preparations for the onset of snow melting.
"We're going through all our normal spring preparations," said City public works superintendent Claude Morin, explaining they are cleaning out all corners in the city so that drains are clear for when the snow-melt begins in earnest.
"We have our flood plans, and are meeting with staff. We're doing some work at the Ab Douglas dam to make sure the flood gates are free of ice and are working properly. Other than that, we're playing a waiting game to see what happens, as there is potential for high water flow," said Morin.
"We are prepared if we have to build dikes. We're watching the weather day by day," he added.
The city has brought in extra help this week, he explained, noting four loaders and trucks were hired on to help city crews with the city-wide effort to clear away snow and ice from drains.
"We could get into abrupt warmer weather in April, so we're getting ready to respond if we have to," said Morin.
The special cabinet committee will be chaired by Government Relations minister Jim Reiter, and will include Environment minister Ken Cheveldayoff, minister responsible for the Water Security Agency; Highways and Infrastructure minister Don McMorris; and Agriculture minister Lyle Stewart.
To start with, said Reiter in an interview, the budget included $182 million, set aside in the Growth and Financial Security Fund, to cover any potential flooding costs.
In addition, over the last two years, since the flooding of 2011, the Water Security Agency has provided over $25 million for the construction of 580 permanent works to prevent flood damage, said Reiter.
"We are concerned, and we are preparing in case there is any flooding," said Reiter, adding that these funds that were set aside will not be used for any other purpose until the threat of flooding has passed with this year's runoff.
Meantime, Reiter said government officials have been meeting with municipal officials, and have been ensuring there is equipment and supplies available to help if a flooding situation does come up.
He added it is difficult at this point to know if there will in fact be flooding, noting much depends on how fast the snow melts, and on whether more snow or rain will be received in the coming weeks.
The government also announced an additional $500,000 for the Water Control Assistance Program, and with this increase in funding, RMs and conservation authorities can now access over $1.2 million in grant funding to help maintain drainage channels and flood protection works.
The water control program provides support for channel clearing and erosion control; in 2012, the program helped more than 110 RMs and nine conservation and development area authorities.
The funds were announced by minister Cheveldayoff, who also held meetings with his American counterparts, including Gov. Jack Dalrymple of North Dakota, the mayor of Minot, N.D., and representatives of the U.S. National Weather Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Dakota State Water Commission.
Representatives of the International Souris River board also met as there were water releases from the Rafferty and Alameda dams to help provide storage room for runoff. The American groups were informed that releases are continuing from these two reservoirs before the runoff begins.
"Saskatchewan is likely to see significant spring runoff in 2013, and this government is committed to supporting our communities build and maintain permanent mitigation projects that will serve them for years to come," said Cheveldayoff.
Officials have met with over 200 communities, providing information and advice on actions they can take to prevent and respond to flooding. Individual property owners are encouraged to make plans and take steps to protect their property from flooding.
"If anyone requires information or assistance to do this, they should contact their municipality directly," said Reiter.
"Local contact information and information about flood preparedness and keeping yourself and your family safe can be found at www.fr.gov.sk.ca/flood," he added.
The ministry of Highways is preparing by ensuring road-building materials, culverts and bridge replacement component are available, and machinery, culvert steamers and trailers filled with necessary equipment are ready to go.
There are 15 emergency trailers with 150 portable lighting stands, 5,000 signs and markers, 500 sets of barricades, 25 400-gallon water tanks, 30 pumps, 100 night-flagging kits, 750 barricade lights and 30 steamers.
Municipalities that need help will be able to get flood supplies, equipment and assistance by contacting Government Relations. Supplies include sandbags and sandbag machines, pumps, hoses, barrier systems and small generators.
In the event of a major flood, assistance to communities will be prioritized on levels of risk, emergency response teams will be increased and PDAP staff will be available to help.
On Thursday, the government announced they will have a new mobile website in place for the runoff.
The mobile website will give residents direct access to the news and to advisories so they can check stream flows and lake levels on their smart phone or tablet. To access the site, visit www.wsask.ca and bookmark the site to your mobile device.
The Water Security Agency will also be implementing an RSS feed which will allow users to get an e-mail notification once new information is posted.
