The Shellmouth Dam and Reservoir provides multiple benefits, most notably reducing flood damage for downstream communities and providing a more reliable water supply.
Periodic flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley can cause significant damage and disrupt agricultural production to land adjacent to the Assiniboine River. The dam's operation often eliminates or reduces flooding, but in some cases, it can extend the flooding period on downstream land, known as artificial flooding.
In 2011, revisions to The Water Resources Administration Act created a mechanism for providing compensation when artificial flooding occurs. The Manitoba government compensates individuals who experienced physical or economic damages due to artificial flooding through the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program.
Manitoba EMO delivered compensation programs in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
On April 26, 2022, Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) held an engagement session on the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program at the Miniota Community Hall. Manitoba EMO invited past compensation claimants, the Shellmouth Reservoir Regulation Liaison Committee, local municipalities, producer groups, and Indigenous communities in the area.
The session provided an update on the changes that Manitoba EMO is working on to improve the program for compensation. In August 2021, the department received five recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Report following their review of the 2011, 2012, and 2014 Shellmouth Dam Compensation Programs. The department has been working on and has made progress on all five recommendations contained in this report and is looking for feedback on the proposed changes.
Please find a link to the engagement session materials below:
The session provided the opportunity for stakeholders to give their feedback on program administration, the inspection process, and communication.
Manitoba EMO would like to thank everyone who took part in the engagement session and shared your experiences and feedback. The important feedback received from this engagement has been summarized into a What We Heard Report.