Water Management

Water Drawdown Information

Frequently asked question relating to water drawdown:

*****    Please read Renfrew Power Generation notice of water drawdown at the bottom of this page.  *****

1. Why does the second proposal have a Sept 3rd to Oct 20th drawdown? 

October 1st does not leave enough time to lower the lake levels by October 20th as per MNRF recommendation. Sept 3rd was decided to best balance fisheries with recreational uses. October 20 is the peak Lake Trout spawn. Lowering levels before October 20th will force the Lake Trout to spawn deeper and protect the spawn from freezing as levels continue to be lowered. 

2. I like to launch my boat at Round Lake Centre in late Sept. Will I be able to launch my boat? 

KHR intends to monitor issues at the launch and work with RLPOA and MNRF to look for possible solutions. Possible mitigating solution might be extending the ramp deeper and/or dredging at this location. 

3. How soon in September will I need to remove my boat from Round Lake? 

This depends on the specific needs of the boat. Continue to monitor water levels on the RPG website. 

4. Was it MNRF who would not support the Oct 1st drawdown? 

Original submission used an early October drawdown start date as to not shorten the recreational season. With recommendations from MNRF, and Bowfin the start date needed to be moved to September (after Labour Day) to protect the Lake Trout spawn 

5. How will this drawdown effect turtles and other reptiles? 

Bowfin Enviromental Consulting has concluded that the proposal allows turtles to select their overwintering areas after much of the drawdown has already occurred which is positive and will not negatively affect the spring or summer habitat for turtles. 

6. How will I know when you have started the drawdown and what level the lake is at? 

Renfrew Power Generation will be placing notices that the drawdown has started on the website and Facebook. Notices will also be posted at the Round Lake Centre boat launch, Sheryl Boyle Park and Deacon Boat Launch. We will also communicate the start of the drawdown with the Bonnechere Provincial Park staff. 

7. How does the drawdown rates effect Golden Lake? 

Log operations will be carried out at Golden Lake to pass water through from Round Lake. This will maintain typical levels. Golden Lake drawdown will remain the same with all logs removed by end of November. 

8. How will this drawdown effect the fisheries? 

Bowfin Enviromental Consulting has concluded that the proposal will force fall fish spawning species to select deeper habitats (to avoid negatively impacting these species) and will not affect spring or summer fish spawning species. 

9. Why does Round Lake water levels appear very low in October now? 

The new amendment begins to lower water level in September to promote fish and turtles to spawn and overwinter at lower levels. The levels being seen now in October are typical to water levels of February before the amendment. Typically snow and ice cover would mask the effects of the drawdown, so the lower water levels were never noticed. 

10. If I have a concern about something after the approval process, who do I address my concerns to? 

KHR has set-up a Dispute Resolution Committee who will receive your concerns and pass along to the appropriate agency if necessary.  Enclosed is a link to Killaloe, Hargarty Richards committee HERE 

If you have further question please refer to the follwoing publications:

Renfrew Power Generation Frequently asked Questions HERE

Ammendment overview HERE.  

Entire Bonnechere River Water Management Plan it is available HERE