Remaining challenges from the 2011 Assiniboine floods were the focus of recent discussions between the Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Minister of Sustainable Development Cathy Cox.

Chamber Vice-president Preston Meier and Executive Director Cindy McDonald met Minister Cox at the Legislature last week, raising concerns from its membership still unaddressed since the floods.

"Demographically we had some issues with that flood in 2011," Meier says. "And we wanted to represent those issues to government."

 Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of  Commerce vice president Preston Meier.    (file photo)

Meier says the two main concerns tabled were the Lake St. Martin Channel and outstanding claims. He says Minister Cox was receptive, and confirmed the construction of the Lake St. Martin Channel.

"They are moving ahead with the Lake St. Martin Channel, and the federal government is actually giving 50 per cent of the funding," Meier says. "It will obviously be a permanent structure. But before that happens there has to be some environmental licensing, and that will go on with both the provincial and federal governments."

In regard to the issue of outstanding claims still owed to members, Meier says they were told Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is handling it, but Minister Cox assured the matter would be looked into.

Meier adds the talks were progressive, and the opportunity to dialogue with the provincial government was welcome.

"There are a lot of communities around the province that are having certain challenges, and we're no different," the Chamber V-P says. "Our challenges are different than some of the other communities, but they were very, very receptive, and really appreciated being aware of some of the issues."