The Manitoba government is starting its yearly ice-cutting work on the Red River in Selkirk, Manitoba, to help prevent flooding this spring. Work begins on February 17, 2026, and is expected to be finished by March 10, 2026.
According to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, crews will use three Amphibex icebreakers and remote-controlled machines to cut a 28-kilometre path from Netley Marsh to Selkirk. This program, which first began in 2006, breaks the ice into smaller pieces so it can flow downstream more easily when the weather warms up.
People who use the river for fishing or recreation are being told to stay away from the equipment and follow all warning signs for their safety. Owners of ice fishing shacks must move their structures out of the work zones, and the province will post removal notices at least two weeks before the deadline.
While work is also planned for Riverton on the Icelandic River, provincial officials do not expect to need ice cutting at the Portage Diversion this year. The 28-kilometre stretch on the Red River will be cleared to a width of about 100 metres to reduce the risk of ice jams.
