Be on Time! Advertising Deadline: 12 Noon on Tuesday

Friday, July 17, 2026

For PDF version of this week paper, please click here...

6x42 Prairie Gateway Burger Week 2026 (1).jpg

2026 - 2x12 Gus Eagle Flooring Installation Business Directory colour (1).jpg

2x12 Cross Plumbing and Heating DDIY Directory.png

2x12 Assiniboine Window & Door Business Directory.png

Rising Waters, Rising Resolve: Virden Confronts a Summer of Flooding

By Beth McConnell

Virden, Manitoba has spent early July watching the Assiniboine River climb toward historic levels. On July 6, the Water Survey of Canada recorded a height of 1246.46 feet at the Hwy 83 gauging station near Miniota -- just shy of the 2014 record of 1247.44 feet.

Forecasts predicted the river could meet or exceed that record by July 11, prompting urgent protective measures across the region.

The Town of Virden responded quickly, constructing a temporary berm along the west shore of the Assiniboine on July 7 to safeguard the wells that supply the community’s raw water. Town staff reported that a backup plan was underway to minimize any disruption to water service should levels continue to rise.

As water surged downstream, local roads became impassable. The valley crossing on Road 254 in the RM of Wallace‑Woodworth was restricted to local traffic only, and the RM of Sifton closed Harrison Bridge Road on July 7. Travelers reported water lapping at bridge decks and submerging valley routes.

Across western Manitoba, more than 50 municipalities and First Nations declared local states of emergency due to flooding and storms. Brandon, Dauphin, Roblin, and communities throughout the Parkland region faced washed‑out roads, damaged culverts, and widespread basement flooding.

Virden was one of several western Manitoba towns struck by severe weekend storms that brought heavy rains, power outages, and flash flooding.

By July 8, provincial flood bulletins reported that water levels on most rivers and creeks had peaked and were beginning to decline. Even as waters recede, Manitoba remains in an active flood response phase. Infrastructure repairs, access restoration, mental‑health support, and community‑level recovery efforts are ongoing.

Residents are urged to travel cautiously and

check Manitoba 511 for updated road conditions. Town of Virden CAO, Neil Smith said, “Well, we haven't had any flooding, but the SOLE was put in place last week to anticipate required actions if our well heads were critically flooded. The SOLE will likely be rescinded tomorrow by Council as the river levels are going down now (by the 254 road and our well infrastructure). Operations department quickly implemented - significant emergency berm improvements to expand and increase the height of the existing smaller earthworks from 2014 to be level with the highway. We will now further landscape and improve the area so we are ready for the next time this happens. If the worst had happened, we would have temporarily moved town supply to the Leask aquifer for a few days (now our emergency backup) located at a higher elevation.”

He also added his appreciation. “I really want to thank the Emergency Management Organization of Manitoba for providing an emergency supply of Tiger Dams in the event that the Town experienced localized flooding over the last few days. It was hugely appreciated. Between that and the efforts of operations staff, we got a lot of preparatory work done over a very short period.”

Throughout the crisis, volunteers have been the backbone of western Manitoba’s response. Virden and surrounding towns, where neighbours worked side‑by‑side to protect homes and essential infrastructure. Virden’s flooding is part of a broader regional emergency, but the town’s swift action—combined with provincial and federal support—has helped protect critical infrastructure and buy time for recovery. As water levels continue to decline, the focus will shift from emergency response to long‑term rebuilding.