Crescent Lake remains top of mind for many in Portage la Prairie, and Mayor Sharilyn Knox says the city is actively working to tackle the two main challenges affecting its condition.
Knox says the lake’s declining water quality and weed growth are tied to regulations that are currently out of the city’s hands, though conversations are happening with both federal and provincial departments.
“Crescent Lake is a very important topic for all of our community right now,” says Knox. “We know how important that lake is to our quality of life, to our recreation, to our economics.”
Related stories:
- Province weighs in on Crescent Lake water and weed issues
- New rules block Assiniboine River flow to Crescent Lake
Weed control regulations complicate cleanup
One of the biggest issues residents are noticing this summer is excessive weed growth in the water, which has affected both appearance and usability.
Knox explains that chemical weed treatments are no longer an option.
“Rules changed some time ago where we could no longer use chemicals for weed control in Crescent Lake,” she notes. “That is because Crescent Lake is considered a fish-bearing lake. Yes, minnows are fish."
The city is now in talks with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada to explore alternatives.
“We are in the process of working... to get permission to use a weed harvester,” adds Knox.
Invasive species rules limit water levels
The second challenge is maintaining the lake’s water levels, something the city has historically done by pumping water from the Assiniboine River.
However, new rules regarding aquatic invasive species have halted that process.
“We have always pumped from the Assiniboine River into Crescent Lake when need to keep the levels high,” says Knox. “We're no longer allowed to do that process that we've been doing, so we're at a standstill.”
As a result, water levels have visibly dropped, which may be contributing to recent odours and concerns.
Long-term fixes under review
Knox says the city is working with both the federal and provincial officials to find a solution that works, but warns that it won’t be simple or cheap.
“I do believe that there will be a solution. We just have to figure out which is the right one for our community and for our waterways,” she continues. “None of them are cheap and things take time.”
She emphasizes that city staff are committed to finding a fix, even if the path forward is still being worked out.
City urges patience and trust
With growing public concern about the lake’s condition, Knox acknowledges frustrations, but asks residents to trust that the issue is being taken seriously.
“We understand that people are upset about the lake, and we know that it's starting to have spots where you can smell it,” she says. “I just want people to know that it's a priority for us and we're going to find a solution that works for our community.”
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