Watch above: Water levels in the South Saskatchewan River are low and ferry operators along the route could soon be forced to cease operations. Wendy Winiewski checks in with the Water Security Agency to see how the future flow out of the Gardiner Dam will affect the situation.
SASKATOON – It’s an issue we haven’t dealt with in a number of years. A lack of rain and moisture is leading to low water levels in rivers and lakes throughout Saskatchewan.
The South Saskatchewan River is about to get lower, and this could impact ferry crossings.
That would make travelling more difficult for MacKenzie Friesen.
“To get from Warman all the way to the other side to Aberdeen, taking the ferry probably saves 45 minutes to an hour,” said Friesen, who uses the Clarkboro Ferry several times a week.
Starting June 30, the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency will be reducing the outflow from the Gardiner Dam to sustain Lake Diefenbaker’s water level. The flow will be reduced to 60 cubic metres per second (m3/s) from the current 80 m3/s.
READ MORE: South Saskatchean River level to fall as outflow reduced at reservoir
The reduced flow is expected to drop the water level by 0.11 metres at Clarkboro, potentially affecting the 225 to 250 vehicles who use the ferry daily.
“The first thing they’ll do is look at the weight loads or capacity they’re carrying,” said Steve Shaheen with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
“They may have to reduce the number of vehicles that are being transported across. The last step would be to cease operations entirely.”
That would be a first for Friesen if that happens.
“I’ve been going on this as long as I can remember,” she said.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is responsible for 13 ferry crossings in the province, all of which could be affected.
Wendy Winiewski contribute to this report
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