KENORA—Several townships across the region have been experiencing high water levels and flooding over the past several weeks. As a precaution and for the safety of all boaters and residents whose homes or camps line the shoreline of lakes and waterways in the region, boaters have been reminded of the importance of being aware of the impact of boat wake.
This concern by municipalities across the region, such as Kenora, align with the recent public service announcement made by the office of the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Honourable Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River.
Their public announcement stated, “Due to continued high water levels across the Winnipeg River drainage basin, which includes Lac Seul, Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry would like to remind boaters to prevent wakes by travelling slowly, maintaining consistent speed, and avoiding rapid deceleration.”
The office of the Honourable Greg Rickford added their concerns regarding the impact of boat wake. “Large wakes can have a detrimental effect on sandbag barriers protecting compromised shorelines and the properties located on them.”
City officials are echoing those sentiments with their own recent announcements, reminding boaters to also be cognizant of their distance from the shoreline. They ask boaters to “Remember, when boating close to shore, within 30 metres or closer, you must travel at 10 kilometres per hour or less unless a speed limit is posted.”
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, are aware of the continued effects of high-water levels across the region; and how some consequences of this situation, include concerns with boaters who may not always remember how boater wake, can have some serious detrimental effects.
