Icebreaking muscle beefed up

Manitoba is now better prepared to break up ice jams this spring with equipment that is more powerful and effective, said Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick.

“This year, we have increased our ability to respond and prevent property damage after important modifications were completed to the existing Amphibex icebreaking machine and we leased a second machine that will be ready to break up ice jams, starting in early March,” said Melnick.

“It makes sense for governments to invest in prevention rather than paying out costly damages after the fact.”

The original Amphibex, jointly funded by the Province and municipal partners in 2005, has undergone approximately $200,000 in improvements including:

• installation of stronger joints,

• addition of improved hydraulics,

• strengthening of the existing digging arm, and

• completion of other reinforcements to make the machine more durable.

A second Amphibex will be leased in March and April and will be used to break ice where jams are likely to form and to clear ice jams during this year's spring runoff.

It is anticipated the two icebreakers will be used this year on the Red River, at the outlet of the Portage Diversion on Lake Manitoba and on the Whitemud River. The estimated cost of the lease is $265,000.

“We have also issued a request for proposals for the purchase of a customized, more powerful icebreaking machine that should be delivered by spring 2009 that will be even better suited to handle the rigours of Manitoba’s typical weather and ice conditions," said Melnick.

As well, the Province and its municipal partners are testing ice-cutting devices that will improve the Amphibex's ability to handle thicker ice. Preliminary tests of an ice cutter are underway on the Red River and should be completed in early March in time for potential use during the spring ice breakup.

The original Amphibex has prevented several million dollars of damages along the Red and Whitemud rivers and at Waterhen.

Its use was also crucial in freeing a provincial ferry, the Alfred Settee, which had become ice-bound on the Nelson River near Norway House during a sudden cold snap in November 2007.