Quill Lakes water crisis receives international attention

The threat to wildlife and fish at Last Mountain Lake

On top of this, water in the Quill Lakes is high in total dissolved solids, which are naturally occurring inorganic salts. This saline water could damage fisheries, wildlife habitat and water quality if introduced into nearby freshwater systems.

Last Mountain Lake, near Regina, is one of the lakes that could be affected if salty water from the Quills flows downstream. To further complicate matters, Last Mountain Lake is also a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Why does Ramsar matter at Quill Lakes and Last Mountain Lake?

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the global framework for the conservation of wetlands. It was signed in 1971 and currently includes 170 countries as contracting parties.

Canada joined Ramsar in 1981, therefore making a commitment to “the wise use of wetlands.” Ramsar sites are areas that have been designated as a country’s most significant wetlands.

The Quill Lakes were designated as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention in 1987. Last Mountain Lake was designated in 1982. Both were selected for the critical habitat they provide to waterfowl, shorebirds and other migratory birds.

Falling short on Canada’s Ramsar Convention commitment

“Despite expectations that Ramsar Information Sheets be updated every six years, Canada last submitted an update on the Quill Lakes in 2001,” Farnese states in the release. “Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the Quill Lakes is long overdue.”

Farnese goes on to say that if this assessment reveals that the ecological character of the Quill Lakes is at risk of being permanently changed, the Government of Canada should report this change to the Ramsar Convention.

The crisis at Quill Lakes has been making local headlines for years. It’s also pitting neighbours against neighbours as people, desperate for solutions, try as best they can to deal with the unwanted water.

“Everyone has a role to play in finding a way forward,” says Karla Guyn, CEO of DUC. “DUC knows the plight of the Quill Lakes very well, and we know there’s no easy solution. It’s up to all of us to work together.”

Professor Farnese is calling all of us to attention. The world is watching.