The interactive parts of this site are now closed. A summary of feedback heard through the completed engagement activities has been prepared by J Consulting Group and is available through the Resources Room. Thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement activities.
Resources Room
Under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA), MNRF has developed several documents that guide dam operations and decision-making for the Magnetawan River Watershed. The following documents describe broad water management objectives at a watershed scale to site specific flow requirements and are used collectively to guide decisions on operating the Lake Bernard Dam. They are downloadable so you can read as much as you have time for, and mark them up with your ideas and observations. If you have questions, visit the info exchange and post them.
Magnetawan River Water Control Operating Plan
In 2004, the Magnetawan River Water Control Operating Plan was developed and finalized following a two-year planning exercise. This included public and Indigenous community consultation for the water control structures within the Magnetawan River Watershed, including the Bernard Lake dam.
To the extent possible, the Magnetawan River Water Control Operating Plan balances the interests of the users along the Magnetawan River system through the establishment of water levels and flows that consider ecological and economic factors.
See Section 12.3.5 and Figure 12.5 for specifics on Bernard Lake.
Lake Bernard Dam Operation Manual (extracted from the Magnetawan River Dam Operation Manual)
The Lake Bernard Dam Operation Manual has been extracted from the Magnetawan River Dam Operation Manual. The Magnetawan River Dam Operation Manual is at the watershed level, and also contains information about specific lakes. The Ministry operates the Lake Bernard Dam at the outlet to Stirling Creek in accordance with the Lake Bernard Dam Operating Manual. The Lake Bernard Dam Operating Manual is informed by and managed in accordance with the rule curve and the objectives outlined in the Magnetawan River Water Control Operating Plan. Rule curves define the established target water levels (e.g., upper and lower water level limits) and operating objectives for lakes, such as Lake Bernard. The seasonal operating objectives for Lake Bernard are:
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Summer: maintain water levels for recreation and navigation while ensuring minimum flow for downstream ecological values in Stirling Creek.
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Fall and winter: operate the dam to lower lake water levels ahead of spring freshet, while also protecting Lake Trout eggs from being dewatered during their incubation period over the winter.
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Spring: operate the dam to capture some water from spring runoff in preparation for the summer recreation season and adequate supply of water to maintain minimum flows downstream.
Best Management Practice Target Line
In 2007, the Lake Bernard Property Owners Association consulted with members and lake property owners on a preferred summertime target operating water level.
Based on the results of this public consultation, MNRF implemented a Best Management Practice target line with the objective to balance concerns about high water levels with low water concerns and ecological objectives for continued minimum flow in Stirling Creek.
Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA)
The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) provides the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry with the legislative authority to govern the design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety of dams in Ontario. The LRIA Administrative Guide provides an overview of the LRIA, its application and the process for seeking MNRF approval to construct, alter, improve, or repair dam infrastructure in Ontario, including temporary dams and other works subject to LRIA approval.
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LRIA e-Laws link Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.3 (ontario.ca)
LRIA Administrative Guide Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act administrative guide | ontario.ca
Water Management on Lake Bernard
Background Report
2024
The Water Management on Lake Bernard Background Report provides an overview of Lake Bernard’s natural characteristics and the many factors that influence its water levels. The information contained throughout the report is intended to build a shared understanding of the multiple factors considered when making water management decisions related to the lake. The report contributes to an open and transparent information sharing and decision-making process regarding water levels and dam operations and will serve as a reference document for all stakeholders moving forward.
Section 2 of the Report provides context for Lake Bernard and the Lake Bernard Dam within the broader Magnetawan River Watershed, while
Section 6 provides a detailed overview of the operation of the Lake Bernard dam throughout the year.
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Images, links, reports and introductory comments have been provided by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Ministry of Natural Resources, Engage Lake Bernard: Summary Report
December 2024
Over time, MNR has heard from the Lake Bernard community concerns about water levels on the lake. In the summer of 2023, MNR committed to initiating engagement to listen and explore issues to inform next steps.
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In 2024, J Consulting Group facilitated engagement activities and heard the diverse interests, concerns, and observations about water levels.
J Consulting Group has prepared the Lake Bernard: Summary Report as a conclusion to the engagement activities in 2024. The Summary Report provides detailed information on the approach to engagement, a summary of participant feedback and identified some key themes identified through engagement activities and conversations.
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Introductory comments have been provided by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Know of additional information?
Please get in touch is you have or know of additional information that could be included as a resource.