Minnedosa Tribune
NEXT CHAPTER
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Graduation is a special time, both for the grad and the people who love them, as showcased within the Minnedosa Community Centre on Friday, June 20, with family, friends, and fellow students congratulating and celebrating the wisdom and inspiration shared by the Minnedosa Collegiate’s Class of 2025. Graduates, congratulations and best wishes as you continue on to your next chapter!
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Minnedosa Tibune
A coalition comprised of community groups and local businesses has taken a significant step to oppose the federal government’s decision to restrict watercraft on Clear Lake. Known as Fairness for Clear Lake, the coalition has filed a legal application for judicial review of Parks Canada’s recent decision to maintain a boat ban for another year, citing concerns over community consultation, transparency, and economic impacts.
In 2024, Parks Canada detected zebra mussels in Clear Lake and responded with a temporary ban on motorized boats, later expand-
ing it to all watercraft for the summer season. After consulting with scientists and Indigenous advisors, officials announced plans to lift restrictions in 2025 under a “one boat, one lake” policy. However, unexpectedly in May 2025, Parks Canada reversed its stance, extending the ban without clear explanation – an action that local stake-
holders say disregards scientific evidence and community input.
Fairness for Clear Lake is a coalition of longstanding community organizations including the Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce, the Clear Lake Cottage Owners’ Association, the Clear Lake Cabin Owners’ Association, and the Clear Lake Country Desti-
nation Enrichment Organization. They emphasize that responsible boating access has been vital to the community’s identity and economic well-being, and that recent decisions – like extending the ban – are seen as arbitrary and detrimental.
