• Introduction
• The Design
• The Implementation
• Future Development and Concerns I
• Future Development and Concerns II
• References

Introduction

The hazard of flooding is a serious threat to Winnipeg and the Red River Valley area. Major floods occurring in 1826, 1852, 1861, 1950, 1979, and 1997 have reaffirmed this fact. Each year, flooding threatens the loss of life, property, communications, transportation, and public utilities. Protective measures can be taken, however, to prevent major destruction caused by floodwaters through a combination of natural, engineered and design solutions. In Winnipeg, this has been undertaken through the construction of the Shellmouth Dam, the Portage Diversion, and the Red River or Winnipeg Floodway. This commentary will examine the history of the Floodway, its design and implementation, and finally, concerns that have developed as a result of its construction.

Marsh writes, "the nation's traditional response to the flood problem has been to engineer the threat away through the construction of reservoirs, levees, channels, and diversions to prevent flood damage" (Marsh, 1998). Marsh's criticism stems from the ecological problems resulting from urban development. First, development should not occur in known floodplains. Known floods had occurred previous to the construction of Winnipeg, and therefore, the location of the city should have been reconsidered. Secondly, urban development and the cultivation of land exacerbates the problem of flooding by increasing discharge volume and runoff speed of water flows, resulting in a greater magnitude and frequency of peak discharges (Marsh, 1998). Finally, no comprehensive strategy has been developed along the Mississippi or Red Rivers to protect cities and their residents from the dangers of floodwaters. Instead, small engineering solutions have been developed to protect surrounding areas with little concern for residents downstream. The flood problem is thus magnified by a multitude of barriers and diversions, again increasing the magnitude of peak discharges.

In order for engineering solutions to be effective, they must be part of a more comprehensive management plan, incorporating both engineering and non-engineering solutions. These solutions must respond to local conditions, including climate, topography, urban development, and potential pollution sources (Spirn, 1984). Design can be an effective tool for the prevention and protection of urban areas from the threat of natural disasters, but the solutions undertaken must respond to a number of criteria and to the maintenance and protection of ecosystems and the environment. As well, it must be remembered that seeming solutions also create new problems, and can also be prone to failure. As Spirn writes, "extensive flood protection works inspire an illusion of safety that may promote dense occupation of flood-prone areas." Excessive faith should not be put into a single engineered construction such as the Floodway, as the potential for it to fail or be overtopped exists, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive plan.

Source: Department of Resources and Development Engineering, 1953.