A community in St. Laurent, northwest of Winnipeg, is dealing with the aftermath of an ice wall that was pushed towards Twin Lakes Beach by strong northwestern winds. The ice wall caused damage to boathouses, cottages, and decks, impacting several residents. This natural phenomenon is not an annual occurrence but is regular enough to be anticipated each spring with fear. The emergency co-ordinator was on the scene to assess the damage and provide support to affected residents. One of the biggest challenges for those impacted is the lack of insurance, leaving them responsible for covering the costs of repairs.
Residents of Twin Lakes Beach are familiar with the risks of ice walls but are unable to prevent them once they start moving. Alice Dent, a long-time resident, expressed sympathy for those affected by the ice wall and emphasized the importance of praying for the wind to die down. The community is hoping for the ice to melt quickly and for minimal wind in the coming days to avoid further damage. Despite the challenges faced, Dent remains optimistic but cautious, considering the unpredictability of nature. The community is rallying together to offer support and assistance to those in need during this difficult time.
The Rural Municipality (RM) of St. Laurent is prepared to assist residents who require help following the ice wall incident. Reeve Richard Chartrand emphasized that while the municipality will do what it can, residents may need to cover the costs of repairs out of pocket. Chartrand noted that while ice walls are not a common occurrence every year, they are a regular phenomenon that residents are aware of. The RM is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to provide support and assistance to those affected by the ice wall.
Looking ahead, the community is also considering the impact of climate change on their area, especially following a recent marsh fire nearby. Chartrand highlighted the challenges of dealing with both drought and ice on different sides of the road, emphasizing the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. In 2011, Twin Lakes Beach was also affected by a major flood on Lake Manitoba that caused significant damage and cost the province of Manitoba over $1 billion. The community remains vigilant and proactive in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and environmental challenges.
Despite the hardships faced by residents due to the ice wall incident, the community is coming together to support one another and to rebuild and recover. With the hope that the ice will melt quickly and the winds will remain calm, residents are optimistic about returning to normalcy soon. The emergency co-ordinator and local authorities are working to assess the damage and provide assistance to those in need. While the challenges are significant, the resilience and determination of the community are evident in their response to this natural event. The community of Twin Lakes Beach remains steadfast in their commitment to supporting each other and overcoming the challenges posed by the ice wall and other environmental threats.
