08/13/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
August 13, 2026
Mayor Reflects on Community Response to Historic Flood and Commits to Strengthening Preparedness for the Future
Swan River, Manitoba – Mayor and Council have received comprehensive debrief reports from the Municipal Emergency Coordinator, the Emergency Operations Centre Logistics Officer and Communications Lead, the Planning Officer, and the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the June and July 2026 flood emergency.
The reports confirm that the June/July 2026 flood was one of the most significant and complex emergencies in the history of the Town of Swan River. Following more than 170 mm of rainfall over approximately two days, the community faced rapidly rising river levels, widespread overland flooding, impacts to residential properties and municipal infrastructure, activation of the Emergency Operations Centre, and a mandatory evacuation affecting multiple neighbourhoods.
Despite the severity of the event, there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries, a result that reflects the dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts of municipal staff, emergency responders, volunteers, partner organizations, and residents.
“This flood tested our community in ways few events ever have,” said Mayor Jacobson. “While floodwaters impacted homes, businesses, roads, and critical infrastructure, what stood out most was the resilience of our residents and the extraordinary cooperation demonstrated across the Swan Valley. We are deeply grateful to every person and organization that stepped forward to help.”
The reports highlight a response effort that included continuous monitoring of river conditions, emergency protective measures, the deployment of more than 60,000 sandbags, the operation of an Emergency Operations Centre, evacuation planning and implementation, infrastructure protection, and the maintenance of essential municipal services throughout the emergency.
More than 155 privately owned properties have been identified as affected by the Swan River flood, while additional impacts to municipal infrastructure and property continue to be assessed.
Mayor and Council also acknowledged the tremendous support provided by community volunteers and external partners including Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO), Emergency Social Services, the Canadian Red Cross, Team Rubicon, Samaritan’s Purse, Christian Disaster Relief, Christian Aid Ministries, the Canadian Armed Forces, Manitoba Hydro, the RCMP, Swan Valley Fire Department, local businesses, community organizations, churches, service clubs, and hundreds of volunteers.
The Town's Evacuation and Support Centre operated for ten days, coordinating accommodations, community meals, donations, volunteer efforts, recovery supplies, and support services. Through community generosity and coordinated logistics efforts, residents received cleanup kits, dehumidifiers, fans, pumps, cleaning supplies, mould-control products, food hampers, gift cards, and other essential recovery resources.
The reports also highlight the extraordinary generosity demonstrated throughout the Swan Valley. Community supporters and donors contributed nearly $74,000 in cash donations, which was distributed back into the community through gift cards, meals, and distributed items. Over 2,300 meals were served, hundreds of cleanup and recovery kits were distributed, and countless volunteer hours were dedicated to helping neighbours recover.
“The response demonstrated what can happen when governments, organizations, businesses, neighbours, and volunteers work together,” said the Mayor. “The compassion shown throughout this emergency will not be forgotten.”
While the reports identify many successes, they also outline several important lessons and opportunities for improvement. Areas identified for further work include improving access to timely hydrologic forecasting information, strengthening communication with external agencies, clarifying evacuation authorities and procedures, improving processes for requesting Canadian Ranger and military support, reviewing flood mitigation infrastructure, enhancing flood mapping, strengthening emergency communications planning, and improving volunteer management and documentation processes.
In response to these findings, the Mayor confirmed that the Town is committed to advancing all recommended follow-up actions identified in the reports.
These actions include:
• Meeting with Manitoba EMO and the Hydrologic Forecast Centre to improve forecasting and flood communications.
• Developing a documented mandatory evacuation protocol in consultation with emergency management partners.
• Working with the RCMP, Canadian Rangers, Canadian Armed Forces, EMO, and Public Safety Canada to establish a clear process for requesting emergency support during a State of Local Emergency.
• Continuing to pursue technical studies related to Tamarack Creek, the PTH 83 bypass, drainage infrastructure, and flood mitigation options.
• Confirming the availability of LiDAR mapping data to support future flood modelling and planning.
• Completing the Community Impact Assessment and maintaining documentation required for Disaster Financial Assistance.
• Incorporating lessons learned into the Town’s Emergency Plan, Emergency Operations Centre procedures, communications protocols, volunteer management practices, and resource request procedures.
• Continuing to improve property-level flood mapping, recovery tracking systems, and public information tools such as the Town’s Flood Hub.
• Reviewing recommendations related to backwater valve inspections, sump pump connections, flood mitigation equipment storage, lift station resilience, and emergency pumping capacity.
The Town has also submitted its post-incident reports to Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) and other appropriate partners for further review as part of the after-action evaluation process. Council recognizes that valuable lessons and perspectives may come from residents, businesses, volunteers, and partner agencies who experienced the event firsthand. Anyone with suggestions, observations, or recommendations on how the Town can further strengthen its emergency preparedness, response, recovery efforts, or flood mitigation planning is encouraged to share them with Administration through the Town Office. Community feedback will help ensure that the lessons learned from this event continue to inform future planning and improvements.
The Mayor also extended sincere appreciation to Town staff who worked around the clock during the emergency, including Public Works crews, Administration, Emergency Operations Centre personnel, Swan Valley Fire Department members, RCMP officers, contractors, emergency management partners, and community volunteers.
“Council is committed not only to learning from this event but acting on what we have learned,” said the Mayor. “Our reports have been submitted for further review, and we welcome feedback from our residents and community partners. If you have suggestions on how we can improve our preparedness, response, or recovery efforts, please share them with Administration through the Town Office. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient Swan River. The people of Swan River faced this challenge with courage, determination, and compassion. While recovery continues for many families, we move forward together, committed to rebuilding, improving our preparedness, and strengthening our community for the future.”
For more information:
Town of Swan River, (204) 734-4586, [email protected]
http://www.swanrivermanitoba.ca/
