First Nation suing Manitoba Hydro over low lake levels

York Factory First Nation is suing Manitoba Hydro, alleging the Crown corporation is intentionally leaving water levels low and isolating the community.

A northern First Nation is suing Manitoba Hydro saying it has artificially lowered lake levels, leaving the community isolated.

The lawsuit was filed by the York Factory First Nation—a community nearly 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg, accessible only by a winter road, boat or plane.

The claim alleges Hydro is intentionally creating artificially low water levels on Split Lake.

“In years of lower-than-average precipitation, like 2025, the water level of Split Lake becomes too low for the ferry to operate safely for much of the summer months,” reads the claim filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench.

Instead, the claim said the community has had to rely on expensive charter flights and freight boats for supplies.

The claim seeks a court injunction ordering Hydro to provide emergency funding for supplies and to release more water into Split Lake so that the ferry can operate.

Hydro declined to comment on the matter, saying it’s before the courts.

However, the Crown corporation has previously stated that due to drought conditions, releasing more water into the lake would jeopardize its ability to supply Manitobans with electricity over the winter and into next year.

It also said it has provided four boats to move people and supplies to and from the community, and it’s paying compensation under the terms of pre-existing agreements.

No statement of defence has been filed as of Friday, and none of the allegations in the claim have been tested in court.