‘We’re paying the price’: Aftermath of massive windstorm could cost communities millions

Last month's dust storm has prompted several Manitoba communities to declare states of emergency. Jeff Keele reports.

Communities in southern Manitoba are digging out after a strange storm, and the costs are piling up.

“We have never seen that ever, and it was quite the thing. Two days of it, now we’re paying the price,” said the RM of Montcalm Reeve Paul Gilmore.

Following a windstorm in mid-May, the RM declared a state of emergency. The storm blew dirt from fields into ditches, filling them up and clogging culverts. Gimore said they hired three contractors to dig them out, which has to be done to prevent flooding after any rain storms.

“Eventually it would flood the farmers’ fields also, so the damage could be astronomical.”

Declaring a state of emergency allows the RM to spend money they haven’t budgeted. In their case, Gilmore said the estimated cost for all of this is $1 to $2 million.

“We can not afford it,” said Gilmore. “We definitely would need help.”

They’re not alone. Other neighbouring RMs have also made similar declarations. The RM of Morris said it has 200 impacted sites and a cleanup bill that could reach $1.5 million.

The local governments are hoping the province establishes a relief fund.

In a statement to CTV News, the province said Manitoba has received requests for disaster financial assistance, which are under review.

“No determination has been made if a DFA program will be established for this event.”

A spokesperson for Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said they are in contact with the municipalities.

“We will continue to keep lines of communication open and monitor the situation closely as it evolves and ensure the municipalities and all Manitobans impacted are supported.”

Digging out from that event is expected to take a few more weeks.