A new initiative from the Province of Manitoba will support up to 100% of municipal costs to protect communities from flood damage.

The initiative will give each municipality up to $150,000 to support flood prevention. The City of Winnipeg, if required, is eligible for up to $500,000 in funding.

“We want to help municipalities take steps to prevent the kind of significant damage flooding can cause to their communities,” Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires says.

Instead of creating solutions on the provincial level, the government is using this initiative as a way for municipalities to find flooding solutions that fit their communities in the way they think is best.

“Municipalities know best what will work for them and this program is designed to help them ensure protection put in place this year will benefit their communities for many years to come,” Squires says.

A panel will look at how the municipality's flood risk, the ability of the proposal to enhance emergency preparedness or resilience for future flood events, and potential regional benefits. 

Project proposals are due on February 28.