Residents of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba are being asked to prepare for a possible evacuation as early as this weekend due to the risk of severe spring flooding from the Fisher River. Chief Dr. Stan Bird has warned that rising river levels could lead to a large-scale displacement of community members, stating that officials want to ensure any necessary relocation is handled in an organized and coherent fashion.
Current forecasts indicate that runoff from the Fisher River is expected to begin around April 20 or 21, 2026, with peak water flows anticipated between April 23 and April 28. Depending on the speed of the spring melt, water levels could reach points similar to the 2014 flood or the 2022 event, which was described as catastrophic and forced more than 1,000 people to leave their homes. Some community members have remained displaced nearly four years after that event.
A massive effort is underway to protect approximately 225 homes that are considered at high risk. As of April 16, 2026, a group of about 500 people, including residents, provincial staff, contractors, and volunteers from Team Rubicon Canada, were working to place sandbags and build protective barriers around these properties. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew visited the community on April 16 to participate in these efforts and show support.
To assist with the preparations, the provincial government has advanced $1 million to the community and requested support from the Canadian Armed Forces. Locally, the community multiplex is being set up as an emergency evacuation centre, with the capacity to shelter about 300 people if the need arises.
Peguis First Nation has a history of flooding challenges dating back to its 1907 relocation to its current site. Leaders are now in discussions with federal and provincial governments regarding long-term infrastructure solutions, such as a reservoir or diversion system, intended to prevent future disasters.
