Thompson public works staff are out in the community today working to prevent sewer backups as a prolonged rainfall warning takes effect across northern Manitoba. The City of Thompson posted an update on June 11, 2026, letting residents know crews are actively reducing the risk of backups that can flood basements during heavy downpours.
Environment Canada issued the rainfall warning early Thursday, covering Thompson and nearby areas including Island Lake, Gillam, and Shamattawa. Forecasters say moderate to heavy rain is expected to last through the weekend, which can quickly overwhelm older pipes and push water back into homes. The city’s preventive efforts are meant to protect both property and public infrastructure before conditions get worse.
Since 2022, Thompson has been pouring more than $40 million into upgrading its aging water and sewer systems with help from federal and provincial money through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. So far, that work has replaced about 5.5 kilometres of water mains and nearly two kilometres of wastewater mains. While those long-term upgrades make the whole network more resilient, today’s response is about handling the immediate threat posed by the incoming storm.
Public works crews are focused on clearing key lines and catch basins, checking known trouble spots, and responding to any early signs of trouble. Heavy rainfall earlier this month caused flooding in parts of western Manitoba, washing out roads and filling basements with sewage. That has put extra attention on communities like Thompson that are now in the path of a similar weather system.
Residents who notice slow drains, water pooling in basements, or sewer smells are asked to call Public Works right away at 204-677-7970 or email [email protected]. The office is located at 120 Seal Road. Quick reports help crews address problems before they spread, and the city says it wants to hear from anyone with concerns while this weather event plays out.
