A Strategic Vision for Enhancing Naturalized Water Retention in Manitoba

With an increase in more frequent and extreme flooding and droughts, water retention infrastructure represents a strong option for climate adaptation. In Manitoba, the solution has been highlighted in the new Manitoba Initial Water Strategy Action Plan, commonly included in policy discussions around water management.

But proper water retention can provide more benefits than minimizing flood and drought risks.

Water retention can also provide numerous other benefits, especially if it is naturalized and is located, designed, and maintained strategically. In this report, we detail recommendations which can significantly influence the return on investment for water retention practices and should, therefore, be considered through long-term monitoring to help influence future implementation plans within Manitoba.