After receiving the final approval needed, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has initiated construction of channel improvements downstream from Fishing Lake. An emergency exemption from the Federal Environmental approval process was received February 11 and authorization under the Fisheries Act from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans was received February 21.
The Fishing Lake Emergency Flood Protection Plan announced November 24, 2010, involves constructing a channel to hasten the removal of water from the lake, raising low areas on berms and preparing to sand bag where necessary.
"Fishing Lake and area communities face an extremely high risk of flooding this spring and it is imperative that construction of the channel begin as soon as possible so construction can be completed during the winter," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan said. "We are facing very tight deadlines, but once complete, these protection measures will create a long term solution to flooding at Fishing Lake."
The Manitoba and Saskatchewan governments have reached an agreement on the project. The agreement includes conditions under which Saskatchewan will operate the control structure in the channel to reduce water levels without increasing flooding or impacting water quality in Manitoba.
Repairing and raising the berms at Fishing Lake is nearing completion.
Information and updates will be posted on Saskatchewan Watershed Authority's website at www.swa.ca.
