Parks Canada reveals new measures for boats on Clear Lake

Parks Canada has laid out its conditions for those wanting to bring boats onto Clear Lake this summer.

Parks Canada has laid out its conditions for those who are wanting to operate their motorized boats on Clear Lake.

Last month, Parks Canada announced the ban on motorized watercraft would be lifted this season — with conditions. A ban was originally put in place last year after zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species, were found in Clear Lake in 2023.

Until June 7, motorized boats brought to Clear Lake that haven’t been in other waters this year can register for an annual permit and go into the lake right away.

Starting June 8, all motorized boats, as well as those that have been in other bodies of water, must complete a 45-day quarantine before they are allowed in the lake.

As well, all motorized boats coming out of Clear Lake will have a lock with a tag installed by Parks Canada staff. Staff will then unlock the tag before each launch.

This is being done to ensure the boat doesn’t enter any other lakes in the province.

“A one-boat, one-lake approach helps prevent the spread of invasive species. Help protect park waters by having one set of equipment for Clear Lake and a different set for the other lakes in the park,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

For people with non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, as well as wet and dry suits, diving gear and inflatables that carry more than one person, an annual permit is required. Two types of permits can be acquired, one for Clear Lake only or one for all other outlying lakes.

“The Outlying Lakes permit allows you to move between any lake or river in Riding Mountain National Park, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine, except Clear Lake,” Parks Canada said.

Other measures being put in place are an expanded no-wake zone near shore, non-motorized boat days on Mondays and Tuesdays, and non-motorized quiet times from 8:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The inspection station is open every day in Wasagaming between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and the boat launch gates will be locked outside those hours.

More details about the new measures can be found online.