About 25% of Peguis First Nation homes protected as flood risk rises

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said roughly one quarter of the homes threatened by rising Fisher River waters on Peguis First Nation are protected, leaving the majority still at risk ^[1].

The limited protection matters because flooding could displace families, damage essential infrastructure and exacerbate long‑standing challenges faced by the community. With most homes still exposed, the province faces pressure to accelerate flood‑mitigation efforts.

Peguis First Nation sits along the Fisher River, where water levels have been climbing as spring melt and recent rains swell the stream. Provincial officials have warned that continued rises could overwhelm low‑lying areas, putting residences, schools and community buildings in jeopardy.

Kinew’s briefing said that only about 25% of the at‑risk homes have sandbag barriers or other temporary defenses in place, a figure drawn from the latest field assessment ^[1]. The premier said that the government is working with First Nation leaders to prioritize the remaining homes for protection, but logistical constraints and the speed of the river’s rise have slowed progress.

The province’s flood‑risk management plan includes deploying additional resources, coordinating volunteer efforts and seeking federal assistance where possible. However, the shortfall in protective measures underscores the broader need for permanent infrastructure, such as raised roadways and permanent levees, to safeguard the community over the long term.

**What this means:** With most homes still vulnerable, Peguis First Nation may see increased evacuations and property damage unless protective measures are expedited, highlighting a critical gap in regional flood preparedness.