Stonewall, Manitoba, is leaning on the strength of its community as cleanup from a devastating flood continues. After about 255 mm of rain fell over seven hours on June 9, 2026, the Town of Stonewall declared a State of Local Emergency on June 11. Now, volunteers and local businesses are stepping up in a major way to help neighbours recover from widespread basement flooding and road damage.
Mayor Sandra Smith has called the community response heartwarming. “Neighbours are helping neighbours. Businesses have stepped up,” she said. Local businesses quickly set up disposal bins at multiple locations, including the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex, to help residents get rid of flood-damaged belongings. “It’s been really heartwarming,” Smith added.
The flooding was unprecedented in recent memory. Smith, who has lived in Stonewall for more than 30 years, said the town hadn’t seen overland flooding like this since 2010. The deluge overwhelmed sewer systems, causing sewage backups in many basements. “Lots of memories that were down in their basements are all lost now,” she said, describing the damage as heartbreaking.
Beyond homes, the storm left its mark on local landmarks. Quarry Park, a signature community attraction, remains closed. Access roads were submerged and the park entrance was significantly damaged. Meanwhile, the town’s fire department was pushed to its limits during the storm, rescuing people from stranded vehicles and responding to calls across the community.
On June 11, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew visited Stonewall to announce the activation of a provincewide Disaster Financial Assistance program. The program is meant to help cover eligible losses that private insurance won’t handle. “Your provincial government is going to make sure that there are the resources to help you clean up, to rebuild and to recover from these terrible storms that we’ve been seeing,” Kinew said. The town is also assessing damage through a community survey to better understand the full scope of what residents are facing.
