Stonewall residents are nearly three weeks into a massive flood recovery effort, with curbside debris collection, financial aid applications, and free mental health support now available as the town continues to dig out from an unprecedented June 9 storm. The town council has updated its active notices to focus on these recovery programs, while Quarry Park and the local cemetery remain closed due to flood damage.
The community was hit by approximately 255 mm of rain in just seven hours on June 9, 2026, quickly overwhelming drainage systems and flooding basements across town. Mayor Sandra Smith described the rainfall as nothing like she had ever seen before. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before in Stonewall. This is an unprecedented amount of rain,” Smith said at the time. She noted the town last experienced overland flooding in 2010, with the 2026 event being significantly worse.
The town declared a State of Local Emergency on June 11, which remains in effect. As part of ongoing response efforts, the Town of Stonewall has posted several active notices for residents. Curbside flood debris collection is underway, with a June 24 update guiding homeowners on how to set out damaged materials. A Disaster Financial Assistance program, activated provincewide on June 11 and announced by Premier Wab Kinew during his visit to Stonewall, is accepting applications for uninsurable losses. Free mental health support services were announced on June 25 for those struggling with stress or trauma from the flooding, and a free tree giveaway for residents is also available.
One of the hardest-hit public spaces is Quarry Park, a popular local recreation area. The entrance road and park itself suffered major damage, forcing a closure that is still in place. The town’s lagoon access roads were also significantly damaged, adding to infrastructure challenges. Nearby, Kinsmen Lake is listed as opening soon, but no firm date has been given.
Other services in the community are slowly returning. The Stonewall United Church had its basement flood, suspending its daycare and moving worship services to another location. The broader storm system that hit southern Manitoba on June 9 also brought winds topping 130 km/h, large hail, and at least one tornado, according to Environment Canada. In the surrounding Rural Municipality of Rockwood, Reeve Wes Taplin reported gravel roads with damaged culverts and washed-out edges, part of at least 25 provincial road closures across the Interlake region, with some repairs expected to take months.
