The International Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River Board has announced a temporary increase in outflows from Lake Ontario to aid recreational boaters on Lac Saint-Louis near Montreal in removing their watercraft for the season. Due to a dry summer and fall, many marinas along the St. Lawrence River, like Marina de la Rive-Nord in Repentigny, Quebec, are facing low water levels causing boats and docks to sit on exposed riverbeds. Owner Yvon Vannini noted that water levels are nearly two meters lower than usual, a level not seen since 1989.
Concerns are rising among boaters as the approaching winter could complicate boat movement in icy conditions. While Vannini mentioned his marina’s situation is relatively better than others, the board overseeing Lake Ontario’s outflow plans to increase flow rates by up to 500 cubic meters per second from Friday morning to Saturday evening.
This action is expected to raise water levels on Lac Saint-Louis by approximately 15 centimeters, facilitating boat haul-outs. Jérôme Marty, from the International Association for Great Lakes Research, mentioned that the lack of rainfall necessitates this activity now. The board assured that the temporary flow adjustment would not significantly impact Lake Ontario levels, although Lake St. Lawrence levels are anticipated to drop by 20 to 30 centimeters during the operation near the Moses-Saunders Dam.
Notably, the Canadian Drought Monitor indicates moderate to severe drought conditions around Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The board will continue to monitor forecasts and adjust the plan accordingly. Vannini remains skeptical about the impact of these measures and plans to assess the situation firsthand on October 18.