Assiniboine River Basin model's risk mitigation potential draws support from Canadian insurer
The Co-operators steps forward for MFGA Aquanty Project's flood and drought model planning tool
June 18, 2018 (Winnipeg, MB) - The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) Aquanty Project model aims to mitigate the impacts of flood and drought across the Assiniboine River Basin by assessing the role of forages and grasslands in times of future flood and drought in the region. This project has drawn support from The Co-operators, a co-operative insurer and financial services organization.
To help MFGA advance the project, a $10,000 contribution was provided to MFGA as part of the insurer's ongoing efforts to contribute to flood resiliency in Canada. The contribution immediately placed The Co-operators among the Platinum Sponsors of MFGA - the organization's highest support level.
"As floods increase in frequency and severity in communities across Canada, up-to-date flood models are critical to help municipalities and Canadians better understand the risks they are facing," says Barbara Turley-McIntyre, vice-president of Sustainability and Citizenship of The Co-operators. "The MFGA Aquanty project is a great example of the kind of analysis that can help us mitigate and adapt to the changing nature of floods in Canada."
The MFGA Aquanty Project is a HydroGeoSphere high-resolution model of the Assiniboine River Basin that will help plan for future flood and drought events by examining the basin's water movement and highlighting the role of forages and grasslands. The model-building component of the MFGA Aquanty Project has been recently completed and the group is now finalizing the public access components. MFGA is the project proponent and holder of the licence for stakeholders and land managers to access the model. According to Darren Chapman, MFGA Chair, The Co-operators support is a testament to the ability of the model to look at reducing the impact of flood and drought on citizens and property in the Assiniboine River Basin.
"The Co-operators represent a very key supporter for MFGA and the MFGA Aquanty Project to have onboard with us" saysChapman. "To have such a prominent player in Canada's insurance industry come forward and support our project in this manner really speaks volumes about the potential of our MFGA Aquanty for the people, properties and communities in the ARB as a risk mitigation and land-planning tool."
The Co-operators' support marks the second major Platinum Sponsor from the insurance and financial community for MFGA recently. Last month, nine Manitoba Credit Unions stepped up with a three year commitment in the Platinum Support level for MFGA and the MFGA Aquanty Project.
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For More information:
Duncan Morrison, Executive Director, MFGA
MFGA
interacts with tens of thousands of Manitobans through our communications,
collaborative projects, and outreach that promote the importance and well-being of Manitoba`s forages
and grasslands. On a national scale, MFGA proudly partners with like-minded groups across Canada.
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