Question Period Note: Motorized Watercraft Restriction at Clear Lake

Parks Canada is actively managing the ecological impact of zebra mussels in Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, while maintaining quality visitor experiences. Engagement with community members and stakeholders remains a priority as planning continues, particularly regarding motorized watercraft use.

• The government remains committed to managing the impact of zebra mussels on the natural environment while continuing to provide meaningful visitor experiences at Riding Mountain National Park.
• Parks Canada continues to monitor aquatic invasive species and water quality across Clear Lake, with increased sampling at surrounding lakes. While zebra mussel eradication is not feasible, efforts are focused on limiting their spread.
• Parks Canada acknowledges the diverse perspectives expressed by community members and stakeholders regarding motorized watercraft use in Clear Lake and has engaged with several community organizations and stakeholders to reinforce collaboration.

• Parks Canada announced, in January 2025, plans to permit watercraft back on Clear Lake, under a “one boat one lake” aquatic invasive species prevention program, modeled on the 2023 tagging initiative. This led to public and stakeholders’ expectations that motorized watercraft would be permitted in 2025, and the announcement that plans had changed was met with mixed reactions.
• In February 2025, public feedback was gathered, providing Parks Canada with a wide variety of highly polarized views. It was evident that any decision made would not address all concerns raised during the engagement feedback process. The “What We Heard” summary, originally scheduled for release in April 2025, was delayed due to the federal election caretaker period.
• In Mai 2025, the Agency was informed of a potential judicial review and injunction, urging Parks Canada to take immediate action to mitigate the spread of zebra mussels throughout Clear Lake and the outlet at Wasamin Creek, which flows into the Little Saskatchewan River system. If pursued, these legal proceedings would have prohibited the use of motorized watercraft on Clear Lake for the duration of the season while the matter remained before the courts.
• The advocacy group “Fairness for Clear Lake” www.fairnessforclearlake.ca was created at the end of May 2025, made up of Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Cottage Owners’ Association, Clear Lake Cabin Owners’ Association, and Clear Lake Country Destination Enrichment Organization. Their activities include a fundraising campaign and engaging the services of a public relations and communications firm.
• On June 16, 2025, representatives of “Fairness for Clear Lake” advocacy group filed a Notice of Application in Federal Court for the Judicial Review of Parks Canada’s decision. The matter has yet to be heard before the courts.
• A public townhall was held by “Fairness for Clear Lake” on July 29, 2025, and drew approximately 400 people. A Parks Canada representative attended the town hall meeting to listen to community concerns and to answer questions from the public.
• Parks Canada continues to closely track visitor numbers and assess any potential effects on the local tourism economy. Despite the watercraft restrictions, visitation to Riding Mountain National Park remains strong. In 2024, the park welcomed over 347,000 visitors—its busiest year since 2021—and 2025 visitation continues to exceed previous years.

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