Lake Winnipeg

Algae blooms at Connaught Beach and Lester Beach, July 2019; Photos (clockwise from top left): Murray McCaig, Jennifer Engbrecht, Carter Brooks, Laurie Bennett

On July 31, the City of Winnipeg responded to Manitoba Sustainable Development’s request for a revised plan for upgrades to the North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC). This sewage treatment plant is the single largest point source of phosphorus contributing to the growth of algae blooms on Lake Winnipeg.

The city’s submission was to include “interim options to expediate phosphorus removal” in advance of full plant upgrades...

The May long weekend marks the unofficial beginning of cottage season in Manitoba. As lake-lovers prepare to head out to the lake, the Lake Winnipeg Foundation (LWF), The Gordon Foundation and RBC Foundation are embarking on a new partnership to drive evidence-based water stewardship across the Lake Winnipeg watershed.

This collaborative, three-year project has been made possible with a $600,000 gift from RBC Foundation.

Leveraging LWF’s localized knowledge and community connections, and The Gordon Foundation’s technical expertise and innovation, the project aims to generate credible water...

UPDATE: the deadline to provide feedback has been extended to Jan. 26.

Manitoba Sustainable Development is currently seeking public input on a draft regulation governing water drainage that will impact wetlands across Manitoba.

The government’s stated goal is to streamline the approval process for routine drainage/water retention work and provide enhanced wetland protection through a new requirement to compensate for wetland drainage. However, as currently presented, the proposed amendments will not protect wetlands and in fact, are more likely to accelerate their destruction.

Wetlands are...

(l-r): Dan Vandal, MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital; Alexis Kanu, Executive Director of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation; Al Kristofferson, Managing Director of the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium; Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Terry Duguid, MP for Winnipeg South; Tim Sopuck, CEO of Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation; Elder Mary Maytwayashing; Photo: Marlo Campbell

The Lake Winnipeg Foundation will receive $260,000 in federal funding over four years for the Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network (LWCBMN), a growing network of citizens...