Residents living in northeastern Steinbach have accused the city of negligence, blaming it for the flooding of their homes in 2024 and 2025. A lawsuit filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench alleges that the City of Steinbach failed in its duty of care by inadequately designing and maintaining the sewer system, neglecting to enforce relevant bylaws, and not inspecting construction work properly. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the damages incurred during the flooding incidents.
According to the lawsuit, the issues stem from a subdivision development plan approved in the early 2000s, which redirected sewer drainage into the area where the plaintiffs reside instead of diverting it as intended. The lawsuit also claims that the city did not take necessary steps to increase the system’s capacity despite additional developments being connected to it.
Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses the City of Steinbach of being aware of residents using sump pumps to discharge rainwater into the sewer system, which is against city bylaws. Allegedly, the city failed to take enforcement action on these violations. The lawsuit also highlights that during construction activities in 2024 and 2025, sewer manhole covers were removed, allowing stormwater to enter the closed sewer system and contribute to the flooding.
The lawsuit further argues that the city did not activate auxiliary pumps promptly during the rainfall events to prevent overflow, leading to sewer water backup affecting multiple homes. The plaintiffs are seeking reimbursement for property damages, loss of personal belongings, decreased property value, and ongoing psychological distress.
The City of Steinbach, in response, denies any negligence in maintaining its infrastructure and states it regularly inspects and maintains the sewer system. The city has also initiated plans to construct additional sewer pipelines to redirect drainage away from the affected area. Although the city’s applications for Disaster Financial Assistance were declined, it continues to push for retroactive approval for affected residents.
The city’s insurers and legal team are aware of the lawsuit, with the city affirming its commitment to address the issues raised. It should be noted that the allegations in the lawsuit have not yet been proven in court.
