York Factory First Nation Chief and Council have called on the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro and the Minister of Transport to direct Manitoba Hydro to immediately release water from the Churchill River Diversion and Lake Winnipeg to increase the level of Split Lake and restore the ferry service to York Landing.
Chief Darryl Wastesicoot said, “As was the case with the similar low water period in 2003, Manitoba Hydro is holding back water on Southern Indian Lake and Lake Winnipeg and is engineering the low water levels on Split Lake. These low water levels have caused the essential ferry service to York Landing to be officially ‘closed for the season’ by Manitoba.”
“As we also did in 2003, the York Factory First Nation has called on the Minister responsbible for Manitoba Hydro and the Transport Minister to direct Manitoba Hydro to immediately release water and to raise the level of Split Lake in order to keep our crucial ferry service open for the rest of the season,” added Councillor Louisa Constant.
“Manitoba Hydro can no longer be allowed to knowingly prioritize electricity generation over essential public services nor be permitted to operate without accountability. Manitoba’s developed waterways must be operated for the benefit of all Manitobans, taking into account multiple uses including transportation, community water supplies, fisheries, wildlife, and the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty harvesting rights, as well as planning for hydroelectric generation.” concluded Chief Wastesicoot.