Should Water Pumping Resume to Restore Gull Lake Levels?

Official title: Gull Lake stabilization engagement

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked residents whether to restart pumping water from the Blindman River into Gull Lake. Pumping stopped in 2018 to keep out Prussian carp, an invasive fish. Low water levels have hurt wildlife, recreation, and local tourism. A new filtration system could pump water while blocking the fish.

Why This Matters

Live near Gull Lake or visit for fishing and boating? Low water levels have been hurting recreation and local businesses since 2018. This decision affects whether the lake can recover while keeping invasive fish out.

What Could Change

The government approved the water licence amendment. Construction of a pressurized filtration system begins winter 2025. If all goes well, pumping could restart by spring 2026. The system will filter out Prussian carp and their eggs while refilling the lake.

Key Issues

  • Should pumping from the Blindman River into Gull Lake resume?
  • Can a filtration system effectively keep Prussian carp out of the lake?
  • How should low-flow periods in the river be managed?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Over 2,000 Albertans provided input through open houses and an online survey between July 19 and August 30, 2024.
  2. Review the Gull Lake stabilization project fact sheet and hydrology study fact sheet for background information.

What Happened

Over 2,000 responses were received, with 95% favouring restarting water pumping from the Blindman River into Gull Lake. The Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas approved the water licence amendment. Construction of the filtration system is scheduled to begin winter 2025, with pumping targeted to start spring 2026.

Key Documents