Over the years, the Lake Bernard community has consistently advocated their interests and concerns related to water levels on Lake Bernard. There have been multiple engagements on this topic to try to bring together diverse opinions and interests. MNR wants to acknowledge the long-standing commitment and dedication from the Lake Bernard community, including the Lake Bernard Property Owners Associations on this matter.

 

In the summer of 2023, MNR committed to initiating an engagement to listen and continue to explore interests and issues related to water level on the lake.

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In 2024, J Consulting Group facilitated engagement activities hearing diverse interests, concerns, and observations about water levels.

 

MNR thanks you for your participation and support as we sought input related to water levels on Lake Bernard. We value the input received from those who took the time to participate.  

 

We encourage you to explore this site by:

• entering the "Resources Room” to download the Engage Lake Bernard: Summary Report, MNR operating manuals, and other reports.

• entering the “Contact” page to find out how to best direct any questions you have related to the content found in the Resource Room.

 

UPDATE: Engage Lake Bernard: Summary Report and next steps

A summary report of feedback heard through the completed engagement activities has been prepared by J Consulting Group and can be accessed from the ‘Resource Room’ page. Analyses of the information collected as part of the engagement activities along with continuous, real-time feedback from the Mayors of the Township of Strong and Village of Sundridge has been important to the development of next steps. Below you will find information on next steps developed from the analysis of feedback by MNR.

 

Spring Operations

Through the public engagement it was found there is general agreement, from those who participated, that logs should not be placed in the dam until the ice is out. While conditions differ year to year, MNR will take ice quality/presence into consideration in decision-making and will not replace logs in the dam until the lake is ice free or the ice has deteriorated to the point it is no longer a concern.

 

There is a risk that it may not be possible to achieve summer water level targets for Lake Bernard if the logs are replaced too late following the peak of spring freshet. In situations where it appears there is a significant risk to summer water levels, it may be necessary for the ministry to adjust the approach and replace the logs earlier. If such a situation arises, MNR will consult with the municipalities to seek their advice on how to proceed.

 

It must be recognized that during flood conditions, water levels are expected to rise above the normal operating zone even when the logs are out of the dam. MNR will continue to communicate regularly, particularly during spring freshet.

 

Fall/Winter Operations

Through the public engagement, feedback was received on fall and winter water levels, and it is understood there are two desired outcomes: first, to reach lower water levels sooner in the fall to allow for greater fall storage in the event of significant rainfall; and second, to lower water levels at the time of ice formation in order to potentially reduce ice expansion and movement. With these objectives in mind, MNR is committed to continuing to actively monitor water levels and local forecasts heading into the fall season to ensure that operational decisions are made in a timely manner to follow the Target Operating Level and stay within the normal operating zone to the best of the ministry’s ability.

 

Water Quality

Some of the issues raised regarding water quality fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). A number of monitoring programs for inland lakes are administered by MECP and MNR understands that Lake Bernard is well represented in these initiatives: Lake Bernard is included in MECP’s Lake Partner Program, a provincial volunteer-based lake monitoring program that monitors water clarity, phosphorus, calcium and chloride.

 

Communication

Through the recent engagement process the public has indicated a desire for greater transparency and active information sharing as it relates to water level management.

 

Moving forward, a collaborative approach remains integral to charting a path that respects diverse concerns while balancing the risks and benefits associated with potential adjustments to dam operations. MNR is committed to continued open and transparent communication with the municipalities, the public and Indigenous communities with interests in Lake Bernard.

 

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