The provincial government has decided to can the proposed Quill Lakes Diversion project.
The Kutawagan Creek diversion project for the Quill Lakes will not be moving forward, at least not in it’s original format and intention.
The proposed project would have reduced Quill Lake water levels by diverting fresh water from Kutawagan Creek away from Quill Lake to Last Mountain Lake.
The Water Security Agency (WSA) undertook a survey and design work to assess the feasibility of the project, including constructing a berm east of Highways 6 and 16 at Kutawagan inlet to Big Quill Lake, a channel to divert fresh water from the creek to Last Mountain Lake and control structure at the Kutawagan spill point east of Nokomis.
The WSA held extensive public consultations with stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses, agriculture producers, land owners, cabin owners and environmental and community organizations. In addition, nearly 500 people participated in four public open house meetings.
“The feedback from stakeholder and public consultations is important and we have heard the concerns on this issue and have decided not to proceed with the project,” said Herb Cox, minister responsible for WSA. “The Water Security Agency will continue to look at other potential options for the situation at the Quill Lakes.”
The WSA will now review possible alternatives around Big and Little Quill Lakes, including, but not limited to, application of the risk-based drainage regulations in the new Agriculture Water Management Strategy.
“We are committed to working together with all stakeholders on any other projects that may be considered in the future,” Cox said.
