For the first time in three years, you'll be hearing motorized watercraft on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park when you visit.
On Wednesday, Parks Canada announced it is lifting the boat ban that was in place for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The ban was in place as the government tried to prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels. There will be a new watercraft management plan.
The plan includes an expanded no-wake zone to help protect shorelines, two weekly non-motorized days, and designated dawn and dusk "quiet" periods for non-motorized use only. Complete details are being finalized and will be shared with visitors and stakeholders before the operating season in May.
Parks Canada intends to launch a fee structure to support the implementation of lake management activities in the future. The fee will be developed during public consultation this year. Potential implementation will be in 2027. The decision to allow motorized watercraft came after several months of public engagement, consultation with Indigenous partners, ongoing environmental monitoring, and a comprehensive third-party review.
All watercraft, fishing gear, wetsuits, and inflatables must be inspected by Parks Canada staff and decontaminated as necessary. The Clean, Drain, Dry protocol must be followed. Motorized watercraft are only allowed on Clear Lake and must be secured to your trailer with a Parks Canada tag when not on the water.
Non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and water equipment, must choose one annual permit. This permit is for Clear Lake or other outlying lakes within RMNP.
NewsNow has reached out to Clear Lake, the office of Dan Mazier, and Fairness for Clear Lake for comment. Stay tuned for comments when they become available.
