The MD of Bonnyville will be keeping a close eye on Moose Lake.
Water levels are higher than average this year, resulting in damage to homes, properties, and infrastructure on the lakeshore.
In particular, erosion has been a major issue for residents living along the lake.
As part of their monitoring process, the MD of Bonnyville has been sending the director of emergency management and fire chief for the Bonnyille Regional Fire Authority Brian McEvoy out to Moose Lake to evaluate damage to properties. McEvoy said it is the worst he has ever seen.
“The erosion impact that's significant is where it has eroded to the point where they have lost retaining walls. In a couple of situations, there is the potential for it to start impacting the foundations.”
There is help on the horizon for residents on the lakeshore. The MD of Bonnyville is working on a possible solution with Alberta Environment, but for the mean time they're offering a quick fix.
“The MD is providing free sand bags and distributing sand to these areas, particularly those that are being impacted, so that people can start taking precautions to mitigate further damage,” explained McEvoy.
This is the worst McEvoy has seen the lake since moving here 21 years ago. However, since talking with residents he has learned that historically it has seen water levels this high.
Together, the MD and Alberta Environment will be hosting a public meeting mid-July where they will present information about the options available for residents. Residents will also have a chance to chat face-to-face with officials who will be working with them on the restoration process.
For the past six weeks, the agriculture and waste department for the MD has been monitoring the weir at Moose Lake, and from what they can see there are no obvious obstructions.
Matt Janz, agriculture and waste department director for the MD, said a lot of residents believe beavers are the source of the problem, but that's not the case.
“We've been making sure that it's not plugged by cattails, debris, or anything plugging the weir that would stop the outflow of Moose Lake,” Janz explained.“We've been successful in that part, everything is flowing as much as possible, but we haven't really gained much ground.”
He continued, “The levels are still as high as they were a month ago.”
Until the area sees drier weather, Janz tells residents to be patient.
“It's frustrating for everybody. I see the frustration from the public because they don't know who to look to for help, their insurance isn't there to help them because of where they live, so we're helping as much as we can.”
