Lake Diefenbaker shoreline takes beating

Watching some of the shoreline at Elbow Harbour crumble into Lake Diefenbaker has local resident Bill Nike on high alert.

The rate of erosion along the northwest shoreline of the harbour peninsula in recent weeks is unprecedented, says Nike, who says high water levels and persistent winds are causing "huge amounts" of material to be removed.

"The concern is that while we are familiar with the effects of high water levels and wind generally causing erosion damage around all shorelines of Lake Diefenbaker, this most recent experience is unique insofar as the rate at which the erosion has occurred," said Nike, who has been urging the provincial government to commit to addressing the shoreline issue as soon as possible.

The harbour area, which houses a marina, is often frequented by tourists, he said.

"The concern basically is that the marina peninsula is a provincial park area, and it is also one of what we perceive to be the gems of the Prairie," said Nike.

Greg Murphy, associate deputy minister with the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, said the erosion, which has been occurring for years, is on the government’s radar, although it’s difficult to pinpoint when remedial work will be done.

"We wouldn’t be able to do anything about it (right now) because it would require winter work," he said, adding water levels would need to be much lower than they are at present.

"The earliest we would be able to do it, as long as the water levels were down, would be the winter following this winter."

Armouring the shoreline would require some large rocks to be placed along the point where the erosion is occurring, said Murphy, who contended part of the issue is the erosion is very visible this year due to the water level.

"I think it may be because the water is so high this year that it’s that much more noticeable, so for sure the people in the local area are going to be concerned about it," he said.

Addressing the issue remains a "relatively high priority and it is being monitored on an ongoing basis," said Murphy.

The estimated cost for a fix is in the $750,000 range, he said.

"There are capital dollars being spent but it can only go so far when you’ve got 34 parks and 100 recreation sites to look after."