Preamble:  Provincial Highway 75 is the main north-south artery connecting much of western Canada to the United States and an integral part of the CentrePort concept for Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba.  There are over 800,000 vehicles that pass through the Emerson/Pembina border crossing every year, nearly half of which are commercial vehicles.  There is over $12 billion worth of raw materials, manufactured goods and grain that crosses annually.  The vast majority of this is either coming from or going to Winnipeg and travels along highway 75 to get to its destination, making this a vital byway in our province. 

Provincial Highway 75, however, runs parallel to the Red River which is prone to flooding during the spring.  It has been closed off six times in the last 12 years, often for weeks at a time.  While this has very tragic results to the local economies of the towns along its route, there is a much larger picture that is affected on a much larger scale.  The flow of goods is diverted hundreds of kilometers adding to the cost of shipping (not to mention the environmental impact of extra fuel).  There are often delays and, at times, cancellation of shipments due to the detours involved.  The extra costs involved are mostly passed on to the consumer.  Tourism, which is just getting warmed up for the season, is stalled as travelers find alternate routes.  Many areas of all Manitoban’s lives are affected by even a small flood in the Red River Valley.  

The main issue is the closing of Highway 75. Very little of the highway is ever actually submerged. In April 2009 there was only 10 miles (16 km) covered in water with most of it being only a few inches deep. Raising this portion of the highway would keep this main transportation link open in any flood to date. 

Resolution: That the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada raise the section of Highway 75 outside of the Morris dike with the purpose of keeping the highway open for the movement of goods along this vital trade corridor. 

Resolution Report:  

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have two components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Developments:  All other information (e.g. government action, media coverage, reports) that relates to Resolution. 

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

MCC Advocacy: 

May 11, 2010: The 2010-2011 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2010 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC E-Update is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 16, 2010: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• The Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation
• The Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs  

Developments:

October 15, 2010: The Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures, wrote to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in relation to this matter. The Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Communities Economic Development Fund, also wrote to the Manitoba Chambers, indicating that he had reviewed Minister Ashton’s letter and trusted the Chambers would find the responses satisfactory.   

Minister Ashton responded as follows:

“Notwithstanding the Government of Manitoba’s commitment to northern and remote transportation, we certainly appreciate the MCC’s interest in the condition of PTH 75 during spring flooding. As you know, PTH 75 is critical to both local economies in the Red River Valley, and also to the rest of the province as a gateway for Manitoba’s continental and global transportation and trade. 

A hydraulic assessment of the Red River, including river flows in the Morris area, is the next phase of Manitoba’s plan to improve flood protection on PTH 75. This assessment will help determine the impact of potential flood protection works in the area, which may include the construction of a new, higher bridge across the Morris River and will closely examine the major challenges associated with the PTH 75 and the Morris River Bridge.    

At this stage, it is premature to speculate what data the hydraulic study will yield, what resolutions we will develop, how resulting projects will impact any one site or what flood mitigation options may be applicable. Please be assured that MIT will be taking every measure to ensure the study and our resulting activities will provide the best possible flood mitigation outcomes for PTH 75.”

November 23, 2010: The Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures provides an update on this issue (includes timelines):