Trent Lakes staff are going to look into the possibility of adding two additional culverts to the Island Drive Causeway on Lower Buckhorn Lake in response to a petition from local residents concerning water quality and wildlife concerns.
The causeway divides Lost Lake Channel and was constructed in the 1970s. It has one culvert that residents say impedes the natural water flow which has reduced water quality and the health of local wildlife.
Linda O’Meara spoke on behalf of the residents and said that the restricted water flow has caused stagnant water which has increased the presence of invasive species and algae blooms.
She said the lack of water flow has caused the fragmentation of aquatic populations, caused hydrologic and geomorphic changes in the lake and degraded water quality.
“These conditions can result in lower oxygen levels, higher water temperatures and have provided a conductive environment for invasive species to thrive,” her report stated. “All these factors can contribute to a decline in water quality affecting Lost Lake Channel’s ecosystem and the species that depend on it.”
The petition asked council to investigate the issue and to consider adding two additional culverts to the causeway to solve the issue.
Council passed a motion asking staff to report back to council on the issue and to determine what the cost would be to add two additional culverts.
