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Low water levels close section of Island Lake for motorized boats

August 11, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Written By: Jasen Obermeyer

This summer is one for the books, with humid temperatures and dry conditions. However, for Island Lake Conservation Area, the low rainfall has caused the north section of the lake to be restricted for motorized boats.

Recently, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) announced on their website that due to the drought, the low water levels at Island Lake have caused rental motor boats to be restricted travelling in the northerly section of the lake beyond the first island.

The low water levels have created a “weedier environment that makes it difficult for CVC trolling motor boats to navigate. CVC staff will not be able to assist in the retrieval of personal boats from this area.”

Spokespersons for CVC say they don’t know whether the lake level has ever been so low, but recalled a similar situation following a dry spell in 2007.

Maureen Pogue, CVC’s Manager of Marketing and Communications, says they are also recommending personalized motorized boats don’t go beyond that point. “There’s stuff hiding just below the water surface and we can not go in and help retrieve any personal boat that may get stuck.”

Despite this restriction, Ms. Pogue says rental and personal canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards are still permitted. 

John Sinnige, CVC’s Senior Manager of Water Resources and Flood Risk Management, says the lower than normal rainfall levels has resulted in Island Lake’s water levels dropping a full 30 centimetres below the average for this time of year. 

Mr. Sinnige says they are legislated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to maintain certain flow rates from the reservoir, to ensure high water quality in the Credit River south of Orangeville.

“We have limited, to no flexibility, on controlling the discharge rate from the reservoir.” 

Both Mr. Sinnige and Ms. Pogue say water levels must go up by around 10 to 15 centimetres for the restriction to be lifted and that the reservoir is operating as normal. 

Ms. Pogue says despite the lower water levels and restriction, it is still a nice summer from a recreational standpoint. 

“We still welcome people to come enjoy the Conservation Area because there’s still plenty of cool breezes and enjoying the lake and the trails.”

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