From May 1 to June 9, Manitoba received 150 per cent of its normal precipitation.

We need to talk about resiliency

Metaphorical and actual storm clouds punctuate resiliency conversation

Volatile weather over farm fields in Manitoba punctuates conversation around resiliency both on farm and in policy-making halls of government.


Manitoba Association of Watersheds chair Garry Wasylowski.

The evolution of the watershed district

Government program delivery has been a change of direction for Manitoba’s watershed districts

It’s been a different time for the Manitoba Association of Watersheds. The organization, whose network of 14 districts is only four years past its transition from the former conservation district system, is used to running conservation and water management projects. But it recently branched into being the vehicle for government programs, many of which come

Manitoba’s watershed districts have been flagged for extra funding.

Manitoba watersheds on expansion track

New funds announced to spread watershed district reach

Manitoba’s watersheds districts have been given money to expand. On Dec. 4, Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced $294,000 for the province’s watershed district network. “Improving watershed health is such an important part of building a resilient environment and fighting climate change,” Schmidt said. “Watershed districts help Manitobans connect what is happening


A 3D model of the Assiniboine River Basin created for the first phase of the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association Aquanty project.

Field-level water forecasts: There’s an app for that

MFGA seeks buy in for high-resolution water forecast model

The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association envisions farmers using its Aquanty water forecasting app as commonly as they would look at their local weather forecast. “There’s a real opportunity for some water conservation at the farmgate level that this tool enhances,” said MFGA executive director Duncan Morrison. Why it matters: Understanding where water is and

“…we’re hopeful to have projects throughout the province in as many watershed districts as possible.” – Lynda Nicol, Manitoba Association of Watersheds.

New Manitoba Living Lab takes things up a notch

Living Labs Eastern Prairie successor to be bigger, with wider range

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds is hammering out specifics for the next five years of Living Labs work. On Nov. 15, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced Living Labs Manitoba. Why it matters: The national network of Living Labs aims to work the kinks out of new sustainable ag practices so they will be adopted more


transport ship on the ocean

Comment: For want of fresh water

Fresh water is a hidden challenge and opportunity for global supply chains

Reports of lengthy shipping delays for vessels traveling through the Panama Canal this year have highlighted the critical but often overlooked role that fresh water plays across global supply chains. Abnormally dry conditions in Panama, brought on by El Niño, left the region drought-stricken and sent water levels in the locks that feed the canal

Much of our past investment in water management infrastructure has been dedicated to either keeping water at bay or getting rid of it as quickly as possible.

Editorial: Division or unity on water?

Wab Kinew wouldn’t be the first Manitoba premier who came into office vowing to represent all Manitobans or to preach the politics of unity. However, he may be looking at a steeper slope. He comes into office as post-pandemic discord has created deep societal polarization and faces a quagmire of intersecting crises, including the escalating


Manitoba’s water strategy now has an action plan to go with it.

Water strategy action plan launched

The document will guide initial implementation of the provincial water strategy

Manitobans had their first detailed look last week at how the province intends to implement the water strategy it unveiled last year. The province announced its initial water strategy action plan July 5. The 38-page document includes 72 actions and itemizes $990 million worth of funding over the next five years. Why it matters: The

Funding is available for upgrades to hog barn ventilation systems, which can help stop the spread of diseases such as porcine epidemic diarrhea.

Tight S-CAP deadline raises concern

The new funding focuses on sustainability and food safety

While the ag sector is welcoming the latest program announcement under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP), farm groups say there’s not a lot of time to get the paperwork in. “I think there are benefits for farmers across the board and I do give credit to [Manitoba Agriculture] minister Johnson and the department for