Released on May 8, 2007
Bernie Churko, P. Eng. has been appointed to oversee measures to respond to flooding at Fishing Lake and Waldsea Lake.
Mr. Churko’s first priorities will be to co-ordinate efforts to lower the water levels at Fishing Lake and to work with the local communities to put into place structures to reduce the severity and frequency of flooding in the future. Churko will also be involved with a review of Fishing Lake and Waldsea Lake drainage patterns to assess the role of drainage in high water levels and to recommend required changes.
“The Watershed Authority has been working with the local communities, and will work closely with Mr. Churko to determine options to alleviate flooding in the future,” Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority John Nilson said.
Finally, Churko will participate in a review of the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program to ensure it meets the needs of flood-affected individuals, families, municipalities and communities.
Provincial government departments working with Churko include the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Saskatchewan Environment and Saskatchewan Corrections and Public Safety. Other stakeholders include the Fishing Lake community, Fishing Lake First Nation, municipal officials, landowners and the governments of Manitoba and Canada.
“Mr. Churko’s many years of leadership in delivering projects for all levels of government, including rural and urban municipalities, is critical to ensuring a successful conclusion to this complex initiative,” Corrections and Public Safety Minister Warren McCall said.
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For more information, contact:
Judy Orthner
Corrections and Public Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: jorthner@cps.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233
Sharon Metz
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9290
Email: sharon.metz@swa.ca
Cell: 306-529-7575