Residents across the Northwest Interlake are voicing growing concerns about flooding, drought and increasingly unpredictable weather as the West Interlake Watershed District begins work on a regional climate adaptation plan.
A public meeting held in Ashern on Jan. 21 marked the first step in developing a Climate Adaptation Plan for the region. While the plan is centred on the RM of West Interlake, it also encompasses surrounding areas, including the RM of Grahamdale, the Homebrook community at Peonan Point and nearby First Nations.
A second public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29 after extreme cold temperatures and snow-drifted roads limited attendance at the initial session.
District staff said the purpose of the planning process is to identify the most significant climate-related risks affecting communities and natural systems in the Northwest Interlake, while developing practical strategies to help communities adapt.
They noted the region is no longer experiencing what would once have been considered “normal” weather patterns. Sharp swings between flooding and drought are becoming more frequent, along with stronger winter storms, heightened wildfire and tornado risks, increasing insect pressures and winters that are shorter and milder than in previous decades.
Residents who attended the meeting said weather conditions once viewed as unusual are now occurring more often and are already affecting daily life across the region.
Impacts raised during the discussion included poor pasture growth, crop losses, shorter commercial ice-fishing seasons, flooded roads, infrastructure damage and visible changes to forests and wetlands, including tree disease linked to insect activity.
Participants also highlighted health and safety concerns, pointing to increased stress, hazardous travel conditions and challenges accessing essential services during extreme weather events.
The climate adaptation planning process is being developed alongside an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Northwest Interlake to help communities better understand shared risks, set priorities and identify actions to address climate change.
Input from public meetings will play a central role in shaping the final plan, staff said. One of the strongest themes emerging from the initial session was a desire among residents to remain in their homes and communities, reflecting a deep connection to the land.
Reliable road access and emergency services during extreme weather were also identified as shared priorities tied to physical safety.
West Interlake Watershed District manager Irine Zotter said climate resilience can take many forms, including improvements to drainage infrastructure, conserving wetlands to help manage both flooding and drought, increasing biodiversity in plantings to reduce pest risks and strengthening emergency response capacity.
Zotter said the first meeting was designed primarily as a listening session, with future sessions set to explore adaptation strategies and practical actions municipalities and communities can take.
All public feedback will be documented and shared publicly. It will be used alongside climate projections, scientific research, expert analysis and Traditional Knowledge to inform the final Climate Adaptation Plan.
Indigenous participation is a priority for the project, with invitations extended to local First Nations and plans to meet directly with Elders. District staff said watershed-scale planning is essential, as environmental impacts do not stop at municipal boundaries.
Funding for the project is provided by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through its Green Municipal Fund, with additional support from the Manitoba Climate Action Fund.
Residents who were unable to attend the Jan. 21 meeting are encouraged to participate in the Jan. 29 session, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Ashern Centennial Hall.
More information is available by emailing contact@wiwd.ca or calling 1-204-762-5850. The district also shares updates through its social media channels and plans to launch a monthly newsletter to keep residents informed.
Zotter said residents should know their input remains welcome and valued.
