Manitoba proposes new Lake Winnipeg plan

The Manitoba Government of Canada has proposed a $320m five-year plan which aims to save Lake Winnipeg by reducing the blue-green algae poisoning the water.

The first comprehensive surface water management strategy and multi-year surface water management investment in the province, the strategy aims to retain the benefits that wetlands provide.

Industrial development on the prairies has lead to the draining of around 75% of the original wetlands in Manitoba, impairing the natural ability of waterways to retain, release and refresh water over time.

Non-profit Ducks Unlimited Canada estimates that the protection of Manitoba’s 275,000 acres of seasonal wetlands would prevent over 200t of phosphorous from entering waterways annually.

The province has embarked on a $5.5bn infrastructure plan to grow the economy and invest in Manitoba’s future. Out of it, $320m has been dedicated to flood protection and water control infrastructure, including surface water management, drainage, retention, dams and control structures.

Manitoba conservation and water stewardship minister Gord Mackintosh said that the province faces three water woes; excessive nutrient loading of waterways, damage from flooding and the risk of drought.

"All three can be mitigated with a new, sustainable approach to managing drainage and investing in flood control infrastructure," Mackintosh added.

A plan to overhaul drainage licencing that would streamline approvals for routine drainage while protecting seasonal wetlands is also included in the strategy.