For the RM of Stuartburn, the COVID-19 pandemic was not the defining disaster of the year, but the incredible flood of early June.

Chief Administrative Officer Lucie Maynard says the incessant rains caused over half a million dollars in damage to municipal infrastructure and much more to local properties. She notes much of the year was spent discussing drainage solutions and fighting for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) from the provincial government. While there has been some movement on both issues, she says certain hangups are still hindering progress.

On drainage, Maynard says a useful Flood Preparedness Grant from the provincial government gave Stuartburn the funds to purchase an emergency generator. She notes the municipality also hired their first public works supervisor, a role that is largely focused on mitigating floodwaters. Those positives, she says are balanced by some drainage challenges closer to Vita. She notes the endangered species there are unique to Canada and the land there is protected by government legislation.

“In some of those regions where have endangered species we have some restrictions when it comes to trying to improve our infrastructure,” explains Maynard. “So, while a lot of people were affected by the flooding, we can’t necessarily fix or upgrade those ditches or culverts just yet until we get approval to proceed. We are fighting through a bit of red tape there but we are hopeful that we will be able to come to some kind of compromise.”

ositives as well.”