Brandon officials say the Assiniboine River could reach its peak level within about a day as Manitoba’s second-largest city continues preparing for possible flooding.
Heavy rain in western Manitoba and the Parkland region has swollen waterways north of Brandon, sending floodwater into the Assiniboine River and raising water levels sharply in recent days.
Assiniboine River Expected to Peak Near Brandon
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said the river crest could arrive within 24 hours as water levels continue rising through the city.
The City of Brandon said the Assiniboine River was still climbing on July 12 ahead of a forecasted peak near July 13. At 7 a.m. Sunday, the river level at First Street was measured at 1179.23 feet, after rising another 1.62 feet in the previous 24 hours.
Provincial flood officials had also forecast that the Assiniboine River would peak in Brandon on or around July 13, with downstream peaks expected later near Portage la Prairie.
Brandon Declared State of Emergency
Brandon declared a state of emergency on July 4 as a precaution before the expected flood threat.
The declaration allows the city to take emergency steps quickly, access support, protect infrastructure and keep essential services running.
Global News reported that Brandon’s emergency operations centre was fully activated and that flood response was being coordinated across city departments, provincial agencies, emergency services and local partners.
Flood Protection Infrastructure Being Monitored
Fawcett said Brandon’s flood forecasts have been largely accurate so far and that the city’s preparations are working as expected.
He said the city has strong flood protection infrastructure in place and that it is being closely monitored and maintained.
Brandon’s dike system was strengthened after the severe 2011 flooding, and crews are now inspecting flood protection areas as the river rises.
First Street Affected by Rising Water
The city said water levels have risen near First Street, where water seeped through sandbags in some areas.
Northbound First Street has been closed, with traffic moving in both directions through the southbound lane only.
Drivers are being warned to use caution because water is present on part of the road.
Sandbags and Dikes Protect Vulnerable Areas
Some roads have been lined with sandbags as part of flood prevention work.
Earlier preparations included super sandbags along First Street, while the city continued monitoring river levels and flood mitigation sites.
The goal is to keep floodwater away from homes, roads and essential public infrastructure.
Residents Receive Evacuation Notices
About 4,000 residents living near areas at risk of flooding have received evacuation notices.
The notices do not mean residents must leave immediately, but they are being told to prepare in case an evacuation order becomes necessary.
Residents are being advised to pack a go-bag with important documents, medication, clothing, food, pet supplies and other essentials.
Residents Prepare While Waiting for Crest
Some residents say they feel Brandon’s flood defences are holding.
Longtime resident Brian Martin, originally from flood-hit Dauphin, said he is not overly worried because the city has done major flood prevention work and the system appears to be functioning.
Another resident, Lana Carnegie, said she has packed supplies for herself, her dog Austin and her cat Hailey in case she must leave.
Carnegie, who lives about two blocks from the river’s south bank, said the water looked very high and was moving quickly during her Sunday walk.
City Focused on Essential Services
Fawcett said Brandon is also preparing as a regional hub for western Manitoba.
Officials are monitoring conditions around the clock to keep key services, including the hospital, available for residents in Brandon and surrounding communities.
The mayor said the city is trying to manage its own flood risk carefully so provincial resources can continue helping harder-hit Parkland communities north of Brandon.
Parkland Region Still Recovering
The flooding in Brandon is connected to heavy rainfall that caused serious damage in the Parkland region.
Floodwaters from affected areas are now moving through the Assiniboine system, increasing pressure on Brandon and downstream communities.
Fawcett said Brandon is trying to get through the crest safely while allowing the province and emergency partners to keep focusing on communities that have already faced severe flooding.
Brandon remains on alert as the Assiniboine River approaches its expected crest. While the city has declared a state of emergency and issued evacuation notices to at-risk residents, officials say flood protection systems are being monitored and conditions are currently manageable.
The next critical step is waiting for the river to peak, while residents stay prepared, avoid flooded areas and follow official updates.