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Assiniboine River Basin Initiative

Flood modelling for Scallion Creek - Virden’s presence at the table pays off.
ARBI
Evidence of unusual rain events, the Assiniboine River is flowing bank-full, September 18, 2014, in the valley east of Virden. The watershed of this great river, including the Souris and Qu’Appelle basins, has the attention of world class scientists working through ARBI.

Unusual weather, atmospheric rivers, and the means to predict flooding – these were some of the topics of the Assiniboine River Basin Initiative (ARBI) annual conference.

Representative for the Town of Virden, Terry Johnson, along with Virden Mayor Jeff McConnell and Councillor Tina Williams attended the meeting held in Minot North Dakota, November 9-10.

The Aquanty Inc. Project has focused on the Scallion Creek basin north and west of Virden. This attention, Johnson suggests, is due in part to Virden’s presence at the table and steadfast support of ARBI.

Johnson sits on the steering committee for the Aquanty Project, which he describes as “a very sophisticated modeling system that measures the hydrological reaction of soils under various climatic conditions...right down to bedrock.

He reported to Council that the province is completing LiDAR mapping of southwestern Manitoba. According to a discussion Johnson had with an Aquanty research scientist, “the Scallion Creek portion of modeling should be done soon (early spring) which is good news.” Johnson says the mapping model which includes LiDAR and Aquanty overlays, may show drainage options in the northeast portion of the Scallion Creek.

“If you have this model, it would be able to tell you more precisely if you are on the edge of evacuation,” said Johnson, reflecting on the 2014 loss of the TransCanada Highway, and other infrastructure that was cut to redirect water away from Virden, preventing possible evacuation.

Catch and Release

UARCD manager Ryan Canart presented ‘catch and release’ water works which his Conservation District has achieved. Creeks and ravines are perfect for storing water in extreme events and releasing it slowly.

“All these things have to be in concert with the farmers on the land,” says Johnson.

And that’s where ALUS – Alternate Land Usage – comes into play. This idea of paying farmers to store water was piloted in MP Robert Sopuck’s riding on land near Oak River.“ALUS is very much alive and well,” says Johnson. “The federal government has taken the concept of ALUS under its wing.”

ARBI is recognized as the only organization working across three borders and two nations for the good of all within the watershed.

This work can have long-reaching effect. Johnson said, “We need ARBI’s help in advising government where they should be spending scarce money, to allow us to adapt.

The province appears to be supportive. MLA for Arthur-Virden Doyle Piwniuk made a $50,000 presentation to ARBI toward long-term funding.

Climate signs

Scientists of renown attended this conference about cooperative water management. Dr. Bob Sandford, water, environment and health expert working with the United Nations, delivered the keynote address.

At a recent council meeting, Mayor McConnell recounted Sandford’s explanation of the unusually large rainfalls of late.

The warming climate means atmospheric rivers are now carrying a larger burden of moisture. When they release their water – it doesn’t just rain, it pours.

Johnson noted, “For the first time, this year you can book a cruise through the Northwest Passage.” The one that made Franklin famous as he and his crew died trying to navigate it.

With two thirds of the Arctic icepack melting, it apparently     has caused a weight shift affecting the spin of the earth.

“It may not be all bad. We don’t know,” said Johnson.

Sanford talked of tipping points, both climactic and social.

“We, on the prairies, have crossed a tipping point already,” Johnson recounts.

It is expected that “in our part of the world the summer climate will mirror Texas” with June and July days of 30 – 35 degrees.

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