Approximately 25 mm of rain has fallen in Zhoda this weekend and La Broquerie’s Municipal Emergency Coordinator says still more is on the way.

"The forecast keeps getting more pessimistic,” states a tired Louis Tétrault. “If it would be sunny today and then we would be good, but at this point we may need to activate a skeleton emergency operation centre."

The late Reeve Jim Swiderski's HomeTétrault has been working around the clock since Thursday, responding to the abnormal water levels that have threatened certain homes and communities. While he remains committed to serving the RM, he says the constant pressure has begun wearing him down. La Broquerie Council will be making a decision on Monday as to whether or not they will add members to his emergency response team and set up a small centre to deal with issues on a case by case basis.

Meanwhile, Tétrault says most homes have fared well despite the additional rainfall that has come since Friday evening. There is one home, however, that does require immediate attention; the home that belonged to the late Reeve of Stuartburn, Jim Swiderski. 

The current caretaker of Swiderski’s old residence is elderly and so unable to set up the necessary barriers. Recognizing this, Tétrault contacted the Emergency Measures Organization of Manitoba who has now committed to providing a tiger tube dam to protect the home from the ever-rising water levels. 

Tétrault says the gravity of the conditions in his municipality continues to shock him.

"I have been a resident of La Broquerie for many many many years,“ he offers, “and this is the first time that a situation this serious has occurred in fall. In fact, I don’t think it has ever been this bad."

Tétrault reminds homeowners that the onus is still on them to protect their properties, but notes the municipality will continue to provide support in whatever way they can. He says residents are always welcome to call the RM Office at 204-424-5251 to express any concerns.

For the time being, Tétrault is trying to assess when the water levels in Zhoda will crest and make plans accordingly. As of yet, Tétrault says the crest levels are unknown and, unfortunately, the problem is far from over.