CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED UNDER THE FISHING LAKE FLOOD PROTECTION PLAN

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has completed construction of channel improvements downstream from Fishing Lake as part of the Fishing Lake Emergency Flood Protection Plan.

The plan, announced November 24, 2010, involved constructing a channel to hasten the removal of water from the lake, raising low areas on berms and sandbagging where necessary.

"The completion of this work at Fishing Lake brings us closer to a resolution to the ongoing flood concerns in the area," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan said. "The actions taken under the emergency protection provide area residents with a long term solution to flooding issues."

"The Government of Saskatchewan has been committed to finding a sustainable and environmentally aware solution to flooding at Fishing Lake," Kelvington-Wadena MLA June Draude said. "The completion of the Fishing Lake channel seals that commitment."

Construction started February 12 and was completed in less than two months under extreme winter conditions. Watershed Authority worked closely with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and consulted with Fishing Lake First Nation as it planned and developed the project.

Channel construction was initiated in consultation with the Manitoba government, due to concerns that outflows from Fishing Lake could impact flood peaks in that province and affect water quality. The two provinces reached a joint agreement which includes conditions under which Saskatchewan will operate the control structure in the channel to reduce water levels without impacting Manitoba.

"This project has served two purposes: first, it produced a long term plan for Fishing Lake and second, it strengthened our relationship with our Manitoba neighbours," Deputy Premier and Canora-Pelly MLA Ken Krawetz said. "We have demonstrated that, going forward, we can settle any issues that affect both provinces in a co-operative manner."

The channel will allow flood waters from Fishing Lake to drain out more rapidly over the summer, reducing the flood potential for the next spring. Emergency sandbagging and other preparations are now in place to manage the flood peaks this spring.

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For more information, contact:

Jim Waggoner
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-1494