Steinbach administration presents storm report – SteinbachOnline.com

During this week's storm, 155.3 mm of rain fell in Steinbach by 4 p.m. Tuesday, causing flooding in basements and on the city's streets.

Steinbach City Administrator Troy Warkentin gave a storm report at the Steinbach City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

“According to media reports, a total of about 15 centimeters of rain fell in Steinbach during this period, and due to the waterlogged soils and the amount of rain that fell, especially on this (Tuesday) morning, there were significant surface stormwater runoffs in all parts of the city.”

He says the city's open drainage canals, streams and ditches throughout the city were either full or overloaded, with some even overflowing their banks.

“And as the storm intensified, the stormwater flood pump at the city's main lift station on Park Road West began operation at 9:00 a.m. today (Tuesday) and will remain in operation until the flow rate in the sewer system returns to normal.”

The capacity of the flood pump is 485 liters per second, says Warkentin.

“And I just received an update from the city's water director. Levels in the city's sewer system are still above normal and the flood pump is expected to continue operating until late this evening (Tuesday).”

He confirms that all of the city's pumping stations were operational and pumping at full capacity during the storm.

Warkentin emphasizes again that numerous streets in the city were affected by the flood.

“In particular, Park Road East, McKenzie Avenue and Grandview Drive are some areas where the roads have actually been flooded, where they cross the existing streams in Steinbach.”

He also mentioned that many gravel roads on the outskirts of the city were also affected and staff had identified 16 flooded areas by the end of Tuesday.

As for the TG Smith Centre, flooding occurred on Tuesday morning, causing water to enter the building.

As a result, the ice surface was lost.

“The ice making process will have to start over. The ice is expected to be restored and playable in about two weeks. And if the staff can achieve this more quickly, they will certainly try to do so.”

Warkentin says it could take several days for the administration to provide a comprehensive assessment of the impact on the city's facilities and infrastructure.

“And even more importantly, determine the number of homes or other private properties that will be affected by either flooding or sewer backups.”