Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative - Phase 1 Achievements (2008-2012)

Lake Winnipeg Science ($12.1 million)

The first phase of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative was focused primarily on science. A science plan was developed and Environment Canada invested significant salary, operating and capital resources to undertake a series of science-oriented projects, including:

  • algae bloom studies in the lake's north and south basins
  • surveillance of Red River ecosystems
  • water quality monitoring in Lake of the Woods
  • investigations into agricultural management of water across the basin's rivers and streams
  • development of a data portal for the Lake Winnipeg science community

In addition, $480,000 was invested to support the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium to operate the research vessel MV Namao over the four years to allow EC scientists to participate in the spring, summer and fall cruises.

Lake Winnipeg Community Stewardship ($3.7 million)

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund is cleaning up Lake Winnipeg through investments with other governments and environmental organizations in community based projects. Projects are cost-shared and must have concrete, demonstrable results to reduce pollutants, and in particular, nutrient loads.

Since 2009, the fund has invested over $2.4 million towards 41 community projects that:

  • reduce pollutants
  • restore ecological balance; and
  • prevent harmful substances such as phosphorous and nitrogen from entering the lake.

For every dollar provided by the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund, approximately $2.25 in partner funds and in-kind contributions were generated.

Learn more about the investments made in your community by clicking on the map above, or see the list of projects that have been awarded each round by selecting the links in at the top of this page.

You can find out more about the fund and how your community or organization can apply for funding from the Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund.

Lake Winnipeg Governance ($1.9 million)

The Lake Winnipeg Basin covers four provinces and four U.S. states. Long-term collaboration and coordination between governments and relevant stakeholders is fundamental to the health of the basin. While there are some successful water management bodies in place (e.g. Prairie Provinces Water Board, International Joint Commission Boards, Lake of the Woods Control Boards), there is no over-arching mechanism to engage stakeholders, integrate the parts, and coordinate activities in a cohesive and efficient manner for the entire Lake Winnipeg Basin.

Funding allotted to governance has been used to establish a Lake Winnipeg Basin office. Since 2008, the office has worked with governments across the watershed to establish collaborative partnerships as well as coordinate programs and activities.