‘Cautious optimism’ in Brandon as river crests

Water levels on the Assiniboine River, which have threatened Manitoba’s second-largest city over the past week, crested overnight, Brandon officials said Monday.

To continue reading, please subscribe: Digital Subscription One year of digital access for only $205* - Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com - Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper - Access News Break, our award-winning app - Play interactive puzzles To continue reading, please subscribe: Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional $1 for the first 4 weeks* Water levels on the Assiniboine River, which have threatened Manitoba’s second-largest city over the past week, crested overnight, Brandon officials said Monday. The river reached 1,179.46 feet, “indicating the river level has stabilized and reached its peak overnight,” according to an update posted on the city’s website.

The level stood at 1,179.23 feet on Sunday morning after rising 1.63 feet from Saturday. Officials had expected it to climb by as much as another foot before cresting. Overall, the river has risen about 7.5 feet over the past week.

Despite the crest, residents are still being urged to remain prepared as conditions could change. “River levels are expected to remain high for the next several days before a slow decline begins,” the city said. “Please beware the flood forecast could change if significant rainfall is received locally or elsewhere within the Shellmouth Reservoir or Assiniboine River basin.”

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Free Press on Monday there is “cautious optimism” as crews continue monitoring dikes and other flood protection infrastructure while reinforcing public safety messaging around the river. Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast a high of 35 C in Brandon on Monday, with the humidex making it feel like 44 C. There is also a risk of thunderstorms Monday evening. As a precaution, evacuation notices have been issued to as many as 5,000 residents, with the mayor previously urging those affected to have a “go bag” ready should they need to leave.

As of Monday morning, no evacuations had been ordered. scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press.

A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade’s worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott.

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