Minnedosa Tribune
MORNING VIEW
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Early morning strolls across the dam and on trails within the Minnedosa Lake area are truly magnificent at this time of the year. Young pelicans and a few smaller water birds found a floating berm to be the perfect perch on the morning of Friday, Aug. 29. The berm keeps boat and kayak traffic away from the spillway, which is currently operating with a very low percentage of water flowing.
RMNP sees Superintendent change
Leanne Cooper moves on from post after public pressure swells surrounding last minute boat ban rever sal
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Minnedosa Tribune
Superintendent of Riding Mountain National Park – Leanne Cooper – has officially moved on, this amid growing controversy and public outcry. Many community members and local stakeholders called for her removal, particularly criti-
cizing her handling of the recent boat ban at Clear Lake. On account, Cooper is being reassigned to a new role within Parks Canada in the central Northwest Territories. This shift comes on the heels of mounting pressure for change within the park’s management.
Riding Mountain MP Dan Mazier
publicly demanded Cooper’s replacement earlier this year, advocating for the reinstatement of the “one boat, one lake” policy. He described her reassignment as “a positive first step,” emphasizing that “significant improvements in management and transparency are needed.” Mazier added, “We’ll have to see what the next leadership
brings to the table.”
In her place, Parks Canada has appointed Tom Sheldon, previously a policy manager, with the staffing update taking effect on Sept. 11.
A spokesperson for Parks Canada highlighted that Sheldon’s expertise aligns well with his new responsibilities. The agency also clarified that personnel decisions
are made independently of political influence or parliamentary directives. The controversial boat ban was implemented unexpectedly just before the Victoria Day long weekend, catching many cottage owners and local businesses off guard.
SEE COOPER PAGE 2
