FishingRomantis

Published: Monday, September 10, 2007

SASKATOON -- Flooded-out residents and farmers in the Fishing Lake region want to work with, not against, the First Nation in the area, says a woman who brought the parties together.

"We are working together as a united group. The First Nations and all the beaches around the lake and the farmer group, we're on the same page. I feel this is the first step to a wonderful thing," said Darcy Swiderski, who lives on the north shore of Fishing Lake, about 200 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

A debate has raged in the communities surrounding Fishing Lake over how water will be drained from about 200 still-flooded homes and cabins before freeze-up. Many residents had been pushing for an emergency drainage ditch to be built. Last month, days after construction began on the ditch, the province halted the work, citing opposition from the Fishing Lake First Nation, downstream landowners and the Manitoba government.

"I was so upset with everybody blaming the First Nation," said Swiderski.

On Friday, Swiderski, a representative from each of the beaches around the lake, a couple of area farmers and representatives from Fishing Lake First Nation met to devise a united front to take to the provincial government.

The environmental engineer hired by the First Nation explained to the group why the temporary ditch is not the best alternative and put forward the case for temporary berms constructed of material such as aluminum or PVC plastic, rather than from soil. Once the berms are erected, water would be pumped out of the buildings to the other side of the containment berms.

"Where the soil berms are needed, that's what should be used. Where the other berms could be used that are more environmentally friendly, they would be used. We're not counting out either. They're necessary, but please keep the soil berms as limited as possible," said Swiderski.

"We are so proud of the First Nation for taking upon themselves and getting this study done. We are so happy that we now understand what their proposal is and we can all work together as a united force."

No one from the First Nation was prepared to answer questions about the meeting, saying an update will be provided to reporters when the time is right.

A draft report from Friday's meeting with recommendations for the province is being prepared and will be circulated among those at the meeting before eventually being delivered to government. Swiderski hopes discussions with the province can be fast-tracked and temporary berms rented or purchased within a month. She wasn't sure of the cost.

"We're getting very tight for time."

More than 500 cottages and homes at Fishing Lake were damaged earlier this year spring as a result of unprecedented spring flooding throughout the area.