Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza is urging the province to reconsider its position on pumping water from the Assiniboine River into Crescent Lake, calling the situation “atrocious” and questioning why the city is being treated differently than other Manitoba communities.
Bereza, who lives along the lake, says the deteriorating state of Crescent Lake is no longer just an eyesore, it’s a growing environmental and recreational issue.
“I live on Crescent Lake, but I really believe that this is part of the crown jewel of Portage la Prairie,” Bereza says. “To see it the way it is, is atrocious.”
‘Why are we being treated differently?’
The City of Portage la Prairie has confirmed it was recently told by the province it can no longer pump water from the Assiniboine River into Crescent Lake, due to zebra mussel regulations tied to aquatic invasive species.
That doesn’t sit well with Bereza, who questions why the Lake Manitoba diversion is allowed to operate freely while Crescent Lake is cut off.
“If we’re pumping into Crescent Lake, it’s a body of water that’s not going anywhere,” he notes. “When the water from the Assiniboine is going into the diversion and then into Lake Manitoba... that is affecting way more than what a few invasive species that might have an impact on Crescent Lake.”
He continues, “Why can we not pump water into the lake from the Assiniboine if it’s OK to have the diversion open and water flowing into Lake Manitoba? Does that make any sense?”
Recreation and quality of life impacted
For Bereza and many lakefront residents, the issue is personal. He says the water has become so low and weed-choked that even kayaking is no longer possible.
“My wife and I like to kayak, and we tried to go out a couple Sundays ago... it’s not possible,” he says. “The weeds are so thick that you can’t get through.”
Bereza says the smell is worsening too, as stagnant conditions combine with waste from birds and other wildlife.
“It’s fairly stagnant and yes, it is absolutely the worst I’ve ever [seen it].”
He adds that he’s not the only one noticing a decline in Crescent Lake’s usual vibrancy.
“I’m not seeing nearly as many ducks on the lake,” he remarks. “There’s certainly a number of pelicans, but I’m wondering if we’re losing some of that population as well too because of lack of oxygen in the water.”
Weed harvesting moving ahead — but needs more water
The city has now received federal permission to use a mechanical weed harvester after being unable to apply herbicides since 2023.
Mayor Sharilyn Knox also confirmed the city is working with a contractor to carry out the cleanup and has not yet committed to purchasing its own harvesting equipment.
Meanwhile, talks between the city and province are continuing behind the scenes.
“Our Lake Task Force continues to work with the province to determine the best way to be able to pump into Crescent Lake from the river,” Knox says.
Waiting for a response
Bereza says he’s already sent a letter to the province but as of late last week, hasn’t received a reply.
While he commends the city for doing what it can, Bereza says it's time the province stepped in and gave Crescent Lake the same attention given to other water bodies affected by Assiniboine River flows.
“We’ve got a problem here and we need some help with this,” he says.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.