Steinbach, a city in southeastern Manitoba, faced an unprecedented challenge with two consecutive years of severe flooding caused by intense storms. The local animal shelter, which moved to a new facility over two years ago, has had to evacuate its animals each September due to the recurring floods. Around 200 residents in Steinbach are awaiting confirmation on financial assistance from the provincial disaster relief fund to deal with the aftermath of the back-to-back floods.
In 2024, a storm brought 156 millimetres of rain over September 16-17, and this year, the city experienced even more severe rainfall. Over September 11-12, Steinbach was inundated with 103 millimetres of rain in just four hours, totaling 135 millimetres by the end of the downpour, as reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Volunteers at Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue had to temporarily rehome 22 animals while they worked for a month to clean up the damage and restore power, costing the organization $50,000 in overland flooding deductibles over the past two years. The repairs are ongoing, with the shelter’s basement flooded and supplies damaged.
The city of Steinbach, along with nearby areas like La Broquerie and Niverville, also suffered from the storm’s impact. Despite the significant challenges faced by the community, the province is yet to declare the floods a disaster and provide aid to affected residents. City manager Troy Warkentin expressed astonishment at experiencing such severe storms two years in a row and emphasized the need for timely disaster assistance.
While the city works on infrastructure improvements to address the overwhelmed stormwater systems, residents are taking individual steps like investing in sump pumps and backflow valves to protect their homes. The animal shelter has bolstered its defenses by raising the ground around basement windows, but comprehensive protection from future extreme weather events remains a complex challenge.
As Steinbach continues to rebuild and prepare for future storms, the community remains resilient in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.