The International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board has announced a temporary increase in outflows from Lake Ontario to aid recreational boaters on Lac Saint-Louis near Montreal in removing their watercraft due to low water levels caused by a dry summer and fall. This situation has left many marinas along the St. Lawrence River, such as Marina de la Rive-Nord in Repentigny, Que., with exposed riverbeds and water levels almost two meters lower than normal.
The marina’s owner, Yvon Vannini, noted that the current water levels are reminiscent of 1989, with boats now resting on the riverbed, making boat removal challenging to prevent damage. The International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board plans to increase outflows by up to 500 cubic meters per second temporarily to raise water levels on Lac Saint-Louis, facilitating boat haul-outs.
Jérôme Marty, the head of the International Association for Great Lakes Research, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that waiting for more precipitation is uncertain, making this operation crucial. The board’s minor deviation authority permits short-term adjustments at the Moses-Saunders Dam without significant adverse effects on other interests.
While the temporary flow increase is not anticipated to significantly impact Lake Ontario levels, water levels on Lake St. Lawrence will decrease during the operation. The Canadian Drought Monitor reports moderate to severe drought conditions in the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River areas, prompting continued monitoring and refinement of plans by the board in the coming weeks.
Vannini remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the operation but will be present at the marina on October 18 to assess any improvements resulting from the outflow increase.
