Peguis First Nation, located approximately 196 kilometers north of Winnipeg, has filed a $1 billion claim for flood damages against the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Rural Municipalities of Bifrost and Fisher. The claim, filed in the Court of King’s Bench, stems from the devastating spring 2022 flood that damaged numerous homes and forced many residents to evacuate.
Peguis First Nation officials estimate that approximately 500 homes were affected by the flood, with repair, replacement, or relocation costs exceeding $275 million. Additionally, the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure and implementing permanent flood protection measures are still being assessed.
The First Nation reports that approximately 549 community members remain unable to return home following the spring 2022 flood, residing in Winnipeg hotels since its occurrence. Another 235 members have also been unable to return home due to separate flooding events in 2014 and 2017.
A working group between Peguis First Nation and the provincial and federal governments was established after the 2022 flood to develop permanent solutions for flood mitigation and protection. However, the First Nation asserts that no solutions have been implemented by either level of government.
Peguis First Nation maintains that land use changes in the RM of Fisher, involving the conversion of forestland to farmland between 1966 and 2021, have resulted in the drainage of wetlands. As Peguis is located downstream of the municipality, these changes have allegedly led to a 30 percent rise in flood peaks within the community.
Chief Bird, in a press release, emphasized the need to address the root causes of flooding, stating that the legal action aims to hold governments accountable for their responsibilities and enforce promises made to Peguis over the years.
Global News has reached out to the provincial and federal governments for comment.
