Assiniboine River Rises Abruptly

Residents along the Assiniboine River were caught somewhat off guard by a sudden rise of the Assiniboine River late Friday afternoon. Reports stated that ice jams caused a surge in water levels along the Assiniboine.

Most of the property affected by the higher Assiniboine levels were apartment towers with parkades located at low levels along the Assiniboine's banks. Quick action by building staff and City of Winnipeg crews established new barriers against the rising Assiniboine.  Earth dikes were constructed immediately and pumps were brought in to attempt to get water out of parking levels and back into the river. The apartment towers contain elevator services and other works in their lower levels. Concerns with the bottoms of elevator shafts filling with water were realized in one building, causing temporary evacuation of some residents.

Downstream of Wellington Crescent at Osborne Village, the climb of the Assiniboine is easily seen next to the color coded levels painted on the bridge pier.

While Winnipegers are accustomed to seeing the magnificent Assiniboine River Walks take on water each spring, the image of the promenade beneath the Legislative Buildings taking on so much water results in expressions of awe in the faces of all who walk to this area to have a look at their rising river.

Surface parking behind Rosyln Road apartments begin to take on water. In an area of the city where parking is already at a considerable premium, places to park for some apartment dwellers are reducing in number.

Ventilation ducts and parkade exhaust points are sealed and earthen and sandbag dikes have been put in place in some buildings. Meanwhile, across the Assiniboine from the apartment towers, Louis Riel appears to yell in frustration at the river below him.

Please remember: Many of the images you will see contain the homes of people who have been uprooted from their families, homes, and livelihoods. They need your help NOW. Please contact your LOCAL RED CROSS and tell them you wish to donate to the FUND FOR MANITOBA FLOOD RELIEF......THANK YOU FOR YOUR CARING SUPPORT!

Please watch this space for additional updates. We will be bringing you more stories in the days ahead.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have stories and photos you can share with us. We'll get them on this site immediately upon receiving them. You can also telephone us to contribute your flood stories by calling our flood info hotline at 992-2203.