Flood damage buyouts to be determined soon, says Ashton

People whose homes or cottages were damaged in last year's severe flooding on Lake Manitoba may soon find out if they areeligible for buyoutsfrom the provincial government.

Emergency Measures Minister Steve Ashton says determining buyouts will be part of the flood recovery process, as was the case in Manitoba's past floods.

"We're expecting recommendations from Ron Bell, who's the commissioner on appeals," Ashton told CBC News on Wednesday.

"He's also providing advice on this issue probably in the next matter of weeks, so it will be part of the mix."

Bell, a former president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, was appointed the province's flood appeals commissioner in June 2011.

After hearing from farmers, homeowners, cottage-owners and businesses, Bell is expected to advise the province on buyouts in cases where flood-proofing the properties would be impossible or impractical.

Numerous properties along Lake Manitoba Twin Lakes Beach, Laurentian Beach, Sandpiper Beach, Pioneer Resort, Delta Beach, and Johnson Beach were heavily damaged in June 2011.

Powerful winds whipped across the swollen lake, creating large waves that pounded the shore and washed inland.

A provincial committee is looking into Lake Manitoba levels and the communities near the water. A report about what changes, if any, are necessary is expected to be released in the fall.