Key takeaways:
- More than ten years after extensive flooding damaged housing and property, the Manitoba government was forced to pay $85.5 million in settlement money, including to cottage owner Alice Dent.
Property owners around Lake Manitoba have reached an agreement on a settlement.
The Manitoba govt has been compelled to pay $85.5 million in settlement money, such as to cottage owner Alice Dent, more than 10 years after extensive flooding damaged housing and property.
Anyone who currently owns real or personal property affected by the 2011 flooding and was located outside of a nearby First Nation’s reserve and within a 30 km radius of the lake may file a compensation claim. The deadline for filing a claim is April 14, 2022.
“Our main goal in this class-action lawsuit was to show that the government was to blame,” Dent said.
Also read: Manitoba doctors are concerned about a rise in Omicron levels in hospitals
“Seeing everyone lose so much hurt,” she said. “The cottage holds many memories; it was almost like a gathering spot.”
In 1968, Dent’s late father created the family’s cottage. The building was destroyed by severe flooding in 2011, forcing the family to demolish it.
“Every time I witness it, it makes me cry.” My father was laid to rest there. “God only knows where his ashes are now,” she asserts of his ashes being up there.
Until a neighbor called her one morning, she had no idea how severe the 2011 flood would be.
“He said, ‘It’s all gone,’ and I asked, ‘What do you mean it’s all gone?’ He replied, ‘Your place is flattened.'”
“It’s still difficult for me to accept,” she says. “It’s unbelievable how they diverted water into us.”
Her father was given a piece of stained glass from the cottage, which is the only thing she has left.
It was difficult to decide to rebuild in 2013; she says, because a flood channel had not yet been built to prevent future disasters.
“Before the next flood, they require to get one with this channel that they’re going to build,” she says. “Are we heading to be in the same situation as before?” It just brings back nightmares.”
The money she receives from the lawsuit will finish the project.
Source: Global News
Get Canada and Manitoba’s top News, Market news, and other worldwide news only on Manitoba Daily.
