Dauphin’s mayor reflects on multiple significant floods impacting the western Manitoba city during his lifetime, with the current flooding being the most severe. Mayor David Bosiak stated that this week’s flooding is unprecedented, leading the city to declare a local state of emergency. The deluge of rain in the Parkland region caused approximately 115 millimetres of rain since Sunday night, overwhelming the area.
Dauphin experienced over 211 millimetres of rainfall last month, making June 2026 the second-wettest June on record, just shy of the record set in 1953. Further rain is forecasted for Dauphin, with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms expected. Mayor Bosiak mentioned that the Vermillion River likely reached its peak on Wednesday, causing significant flooding in the lower parts of the city, particularly in the north end.
Numerous businesses along Main Street and residents in an apartment building near the river were affected by basement flooding. Displaced individuals were relocated, and a command center was set up at city hall, with the Credit Union Place recreation complex available for residents in need. The city urged residents to stay at home, avoid non-essential travel, and limit water usage to relieve strain on local wastewater systems.
Premier Wab Kinew advised residents in the Parkland region to refrain from unnecessary travel, as road conditions remain hazardous. Over 50 provincial road closures were reported, and residents were urged to shelter in place until conditions improve. Dauphin Regional Health Centre patients were evacuated due to floodwater impacts on the facility, prompting a relocation of medical services to other areas. The province allocated $5 million in funding to aid municipalities in managing the crisis.