PLAN OF ACTION AGREED UPON TO LOWER WATER LEVELS AT FISHING LAKE

Released on July 16, 2007

To provide emergency relief to cabin owners and residents and to help the clean-up operations, the Government of Saskatchewan, Fishing Lake First Nation, Rural Municipalities and resort villages in the area, agreed on an immediate action to lower the water level of Fishing Lake. Work on breaching Highways 310 and Hazel Lake Road will begin immediately.

"I am pleased that all parties are working together to immediately begin the necessary clean-up of Fishing Lake," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Increasing the flow out of Fishing Lake by breaching two roads east of Fishing Lake will ensure the full natural outflow occurs. While it is recognized that further action may be required, the first step, as suggested by Fishing Lake First Nation, will be to breach two roads east of Fishing Lake."

The plan was agreed to following a meeting with the Premier, Fishing Lake First Nation Chief Allan Paquachan and Corrections and Public Safety Minister Ron Harper. It was agreed that breaching the roads will assist in meeting the target of reaching the natural spill level, a reduction of approximately two and a half feet below the spring high water level, before freezing. It also provides a first step toward a balanced approach to resolving the concerns at the lake.

"Our concerns are the same as those of the province, municipalities, cottage owners and residents," Chief Paquachan said. "The clean-up must occur as quickly as possible, and this must be done in the most natural way possible. We know this lake and the natural drainage area to the east and believe that this measure will lessen the likelihood of flooding in the Fishing Lake area in the future while protecting the ecosystem in and around the lake, including downstream water bodies. I would like to thank Premier Calvert for taking the time to meet with us directly to discuss our concerns and work with us to develop a plan of action."

"I am satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and can assure municipalities that immediate action is being taken," Harper said. "I would like to express my appreciation to Chief Paquachan for the manner in which he approached this issue, taking into consideration common interests."

The province, the municipalities, downstream landowners, and Fishing Lake First Nation are jointly continuing with planning for construction of the drainage ditch in the event that additional work beyond breaching the roads is required.

"The Fishing Lake First Nation has knowledge of the land that goes back several hundred years and we welcome their input, as well as that of other stakeholders, in helping us to find workable solutions," Harper said. "We are pleased to see that work is beginning, and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that we have developed a solution for the long-term."

Nick Asmundson, Chairman of the Fishing Lake Watershed Authority is pleased that all parties are working together to implement a workable solution.

"We are anxious to see the water levels lowered so clean-up efforts can move forward and flood proofing and rebuilding can begin," Fishing Lake Administrative Council Chairman Roger Nupdal said. "This is a beautiful lake and we want it to once again be the centre of economic activity in the area."

Traffic on Highway 310 will be rerouted temporarily until a temporary bridge is installed.

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For more information, contact:

Sharon Metz
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9290
Email: sharon.metz@swa.ca
Cell: 306-529-7575

Judy Orthner
Corrections and Public Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: jorthner@cps.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-787-5883