Tension levels were high at Ghost Lake Recreations on the morning of June 14, where stakeholders turned out to the open house facilitated by TransAlta and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources Development (ESRD).
Around 80-90 stakeholders, largely made up of Ghost Lake seasonal and full-time residents, recreational users and avid boaters, were in attendance to ask questions and voice their concerns over the recent decision by the government to keep the Ghost Reservoir at its lowest permitted level until July 31, as part of flood mitigation efforts. Several concerns were reflected on the impact this date would have on the boating season, as the water levels are too low to launch or dock many types of boats.
“We’re going to struggle this year,” said Wes Carr of the Handi-Boat Society of Alberta, who has been taking seniors and children with disabilities confined to wheelchairs on Ghost Lake pontoon boat tours for 15 years as part of the programming through the volunteer-run, not-for-profit society.
Carr said that with no water, no wheelchairs could be brought on board.
“Last year was a disaster for us, but that was an act of God. This year is an act of man.”
While nobody disputed the need to prioritize flood mitigation, the concern with the end of July, rather than the end of June, being selected was largely seen as far too late of a date — long past the period of flood concerns, as was supported by the historical data on display at the open house.
“If you’re going to get a flood in Alberta, it’s going to be in June,” said Dave Ardell, director of water management operations for ESRD, adding that the date is “not caste in stone” and that the government and TransAlta are working to “try to balance stakeholder needs”.
Additional concerns such as the absence of public consultation that went into the pilot project, as well as safety hazards for boaters were brought up and the possible need to re-map the lake if this pilot project extends into future seasons.
One person shared a recent story about the bottom of a boat recently being ripped out due to exposed rock from the low water levels in unmarked terrain.
There was considerable focus on the notion of this being a possible drought year, as historical data suggests that two back-to-back floods (comparable to the devastating June 20, 2013 water levels) is highly unlikely and that droughts tend to follow floods.
“Experts say (the June 20, 2013 flood) was a once in 200-year event and there is no need to lower the lake,” said Lauren Johnson, an avid Ghost Lake boater for 20 years.
Aaron McVagh, a Ghost Lake Village seasonal resident for 10 years, also expressed his concerns. “All the docks, the boat launch will be useless…historically, all the water levels have been down by July.”
Mike Weinert of Ghost Lake Recreations and operations manager for the provincial campground for 19 years said he was pleased that so many concerned stakeholders were in attendance.
“I’m not sure we got any definitive answers, but they did say the July 31 date isn’t set in stone…and I did hear some concerns about a possible drought this year.”
Weinert said that if this pilot project extends, it would inevitably have devastating consequences for his business, made up of 90 per cent boaters, as his 300 clients who store their boats at his facilities would eventually move their boats elsewhere and that he would only be able to rent out half his dock slips and mooring balls.
Mike Mondor, the new owner/operator of Ghost Lake Station (area convenience store and gas station) said he is also concerned with the potential negative impact a July 31 date would have on recreation for the area as a whole.
Members from ESRD and TransAlta also facilitated a closed meeting with the residents at Ghost Lake Village.
Jason Penner, public affairs officer with ESRD, said all concerns would be taken into consideration and that the water levels and climate would be monitored closely to see if the reservoir can be filled earlier.
“Things change so quickly, but to move off your target level for a reservoir 2-3 weeks before doesn’t make sense,” said Penner, adding that a follow-up public consultation would likely take place following July 31.
