Lake of the Woods is a vital freshwater resource, supporting livelihoods, drinking water, culture, Indigenous cultural and spiritual life, and biodiversity. Protecting water quality in Lake of the Woods and addressing harmful algae blooms is essential to protecting the health of fish and wildlife and ensuring recreational access for visitors for years to come.
The Canada Water Agency is investing in local projects to address challenges related to algae blooms caused by the presence of excess phosphorous and empower communities, stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to preserve this essential body of water.
On February 24, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, more than $1.2 million in funding over four years to support four partner-led projects though the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative under the Freshwater Action Plan. The Honourable Terry Duguid is joined by Ben Carr, Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South Centre.
The projects funded include:
- $450,000 for Grand Council Treaty #3 to participate in collaborative processes and actions to reduce phosphorus, as well as coordinate community engagement on nutrients and algae blooms in Lake of the Woods.
- $395,000 for the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation to develop a phosphorus management plan for the Rainy River - Lake of the Woods Watershed.
- $380,800 for Trent University to study phosphorous sources and nutrient interactions.
- $24,150 for the Métis Nation of Ontario to continue engagement with the northwestern Ontario Métis community to foster collaboration, participation, and capacity building on phosphorus reduction actions and nutrient and algae science in the Lake of the Woods Basin.
The Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative funds projects that tackle toxic algae blooms. In collaboration with Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and more, the Canada Water Agency is taking action to ensure these waters are clean, safe, and well-managed. The projects announced on February 24 mark important progress in the protection of the vital Lake of the Woods and its surrounding communities.
Quotes
"This funding from the Canada Water Agency is crucial to fulfilling our commitment to protect Lake of the Woods and its communities. By supporting local projects, we are ensuring this vital freshwater resource is preserved for future generations."
- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency
"We're making important investments to protect Lake of the Woods, tackle harmful algae, and preserve this essential ecosystem. By working with Indigenous leaders and local communities, we're safeguarding a lake that is vital to tourism, the local economy, and the people who rely on it."
- The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"For decades, algae blooms, driven by excessive phosphorus, have been a growing water-quality concern for Lake of the Woods. Algae blooms are becoming more frequent, toxic, and lasting later in the year. We are excited to tackle this problem with support from the Canada Water Agency. We will work with local communities, knowledge keepers, stakeholders, and experts in the Canadian portions of Rainy River and Lake of the Woods over three years to develop a domestic phosphorus management plan to support international water quality goals."
- Teika Newton, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
"Grand Council Treaty #3 expresses its gratitude for the opportunity to partner with the Canadian Water Agency and Treaty #3 communities on critical work across the Lake of the Woods watershed. This funding will strengthen Grand Council Treaty #3's capacity to protect and preserve Lake of the Woods nibi and ecosystems while creating more opportunities for Treaty #3 Elders and Knowledge Keepers to lead protections through the Treaty #3 Nibi Declaration."
- Chris Herc, Environmental Manager, Grand Council Treaty #3
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is investing $650 million over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan to strengthen the protection and restoration of freshwater bodies of national significance in Canada, including Lake of the Woods.
- Lake of the Woods provides drinking water for more than 700,000 people across Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota.
- The Canada Water Agency is the federal focal point for fresh water and is delivering key elements of the Freshwater Action Plan to help improve coordination, collaboration, and partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to respond to Canada's most pressing freshwater challenges.
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