In 2024, Parks Canada put a ban on motorized boats on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park when zebra mussels were found in the lake.
The ban was lifted in January of 2025 because there was nothing that could be done to stop them.
Then, right before the Long Weekend in 2025, the then-superintendent reversed her decision and reinstated the ban.
All of a sudden, there were again no motorized watercraft on the lake during the summer.
Trevor Boquist is a representative from the cottage owners' association on Fairness for Clear Lake.
He says that decision sent everything into a tailspin.
"The lake is a place that we all go for tranquillity," said Boquist. "We love the activities that we can do, and we can spend time with family and friends. It's supposed to be a joyous place. For the summer of 2025, it wasn't."
Earlier this week, motorized watercraft owners in the area received news they've been patiently waiting for. The ban on motorized watercraft on Clear Lake has been lifted for the summer of 2026.
As part of Wednesday's announcement, there will be a new watercraft management plan that includes an expanded no-wake zone to help protect shorelines.
Currently, under Transport Canada's vessel operation restrictions, vessels are limited to operating a maximum of 10 kilometres per hour within 30 metres of shore.
The plan includes a mandatory tagging program, two weekly non-motorized days, and designated dawn and dusk "quiet" periods for non-motorized use only.
"Look, we're really pleased that there's a pathway forward to get motorized boats back on the lake," said Boquist. "We knew that boats going back on the lake weren't going to look exactly as they did before."
Tom Sheldon is the new superintendent at Riding Mountain National Park. He's been in the job for roughly seven months. He said he was grateful for all of the meetings and feedback he's received since starting the role.
"We think he's done an excellent job of engaging all stakeholders, people, and visitors to really get an understanding," continued Boquist. "He's probably spent more time talking to people over the last five to six months than the previous superintendent did during her entire five years."
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.
The boating season is right around the corner, and if you've never enjoyed everything Clear Lake has to offer, Boquist says, check it out this summer.
"It's a great, clear lake, no pun intended," ended Boquist. "It's a very special place. We want it to continue being a special place, so we are thrilled there is a pathway to get boats back on the lake."
The new watercraft management plan could be implemented as early as 2027.
