We've all watched the crisis in New Orleans unfold on television, but what some may not realize is that a similar flooding disaster could happen here.

In 1950, Winnipeg was hit by a massive flood.  Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed and at least one life was lost.  Since then, the floodway has been built to protect Winnipeg, but during the Flood of '97, the dike was barely able to handle the extra water. 

Forecasters say it's just a matter of time until a more severe flooding event hits Manitoba's capital region and that's why they're more than doubling the capacity of the floodway.  The floodway expansion will expand the dike to hold in a one-in-700 year flood. 

With the current floodway in place, a flood of that magnitude would create a scenario similar to New Orleans, with much of the city under water.  More than 450,000 people would be forced out of their homes and damage would be in the $12 billion range. 

For provincial officials, the potential loss of human lives is the most important issue, and makes the $665 million price tag for expansion well worth the money. Construction on the project could begin within the next few weeks and the entire expansion should be complete by 2010.