The International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board has announced a temporary increase in outflows from Lake Ontario to assist recreational boaters at Lac Saint-Louis near Montreal in removing their watercraft for the season. This decision follows a dry summer and fall that have left many marinas along the St. Lawrence River, such as Marina de la Rive-Nord in Repentigny, Que., with exposed riverbeds instead of floating boats and docks. Water levels are nearly two meters lower than usual, causing challenges for boat movement.
Yvon Vannini, the marina’s owner, noted that the current water levels are reminiscent of 1989, with several boats now resting on the riverbed, making it risky to relocate them without causing damage. Concerns are rising as winter approaches, with worries about moving boats in icy conditions.
To address the situation, the International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board plans to increase outflows by up to 500 cubic meters per second starting Friday morning until Saturday evening. This adjustment aims to raise water levels on Lac Saint-Louis by approximately 15 centimeters to facilitate boat haul-outs. Jérôme Marty, from the International Association for Great Lakes Research, emphasized the importance of taking this action now due to the lack of recent rainfall.
This temporary measure, authorized under the board’s minor deviation authority, is not anticipated to significantly impact Lake Ontario levels. However, water levels on Lake St. Lawrence will decrease by about 20 to 30 centimeters during the operation. The board will continue to monitor conditions and adjust the outflow plan as needed in the coming weeks.
The Canadian Drought Monitor reports moderate to severe drought conditions in areas surrounding Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Meanwhile, Vannini remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the operation but plans to assess the impact on his marina on October 18.