Applying Manitoba's Water Policies - Government of Manitoba

5. FloodingTo alleviate human suffering and minimize theeconomic costs of damages caused by flooding.7. EducationTo enhance the awareness and knowledge ofManitoba's water resources.Although we have floodways, ring dykes, and zoningto protect many of our urban centres, there are stillseveral flooding-related challenges that need to beaddressed:• flash flooding below the Manitoba Escarpment andother areas of the province.• up-to-date flood-preparedness plans for communities.• reducing flood damages caused by inadequateurban drainage systems.• mitigation of damage caused by hydro-electricdevelopments.• controlling new development in flood prone areas,ie, development must be compatible with risk.Individuals, business and industry, and local governmentsare assuming a greater role than ever beforein managing and protecting our water resources. Thispolicy seeks to ensure that the information needed toguide sound water management decisions is available,concise, and user-friendly.6. DrainageTo enhance the economic viability of Manitoba'sagricultural community through the provision ofa comprehensively planned drainageinfrastructure.The focus of this policy is to maintain and upgradeexisting drainage systems with the objective of maximizingtheir benefits and minimizing their environmentalimpacts.Local authorities, industry, and people on farmsand in communities have been taking on a greaterresponsibility in the construction and maintenance ofdrainage works. Access to technical support will becritical toward ensuring that drainage works are effective,economically sound, and environmentally sustainable.3