Crews work to improve lake, lagoon water flow in Manitoba

WINNIPEG—Manitoba officials want Grand Beach Lagoon and Lake Winnipeg to go with the flow.

Crews have begun work to help improve water flow between the two.

“Grand Beach is one of Manitoba’s top destinations and we want to preserve this beautiful provincial park and its unique features for future generations to enjoy,” said Jeff Wharton, climate, environment and parks minister in a statement. “For more than a decade, low channel levels between the Grand Beach Lagoon and Lake Winnipeg have been a concern for many cottagers, park visitors and boaters. This important and strategic investment in Grand Beach Provincial Park further demonstrates our government’s commitment to protecting and enhancing Manitoba’s provincial parks system.” 

Wharton explained in the past water has moved between the natural Grand Beach Lagoon and Lake Winnipeg, but over the past 10 years levels have stagnated. The reduced water flow has impacted recreational boating and angling in the lagoon, resulting in cottagers and park visitors having fewer opportunities to enjoy the waterway.   

The project involves improving the connection and restoring the natural flow between the lagoon. This will be done by excavating it down to 216.5 metres elevation, which is approximately one metre below the average water level of the lake. As lake water levels vary, the amount of water in the channel will vary from year to year. For an average year, the channel can be expected to have around one metre of water depth, noted Wharton. 

Depending on lake levels, the province expects water clearance to pass through the channel should be enough for small- to medium-sized motorized watercraft. An existing bridge will also limit the height of boats that can safely move through the channel.  

“The changing dynamic of water flow within the channel has long been a concern for the Grand Beach Cottage Owners’ Association and we are happy to see the prioritization of the project,” said Carly Friesen, president of the Grand Beach Cottage Owners’ Association. “Ongoing engagement with the Department of Environment, Climate and Parks has helped to ensure that projects such as these have a positive impact on the natural environment within Grand Beach Provincial Park and will assist with the long-term viability of recreational activities between the natural lagoon and Lake Winnipeg.”

The project, estimated at $180,000, is part of a larger $8 million initiative to upgrade wastewater infrastructure within Grand Beach Provincial Park.