Fairness for Clear Lake
We are a coalition of community organizations and local businesses who care deeply about the future of Clear Lake. Our goal is to rebuild trust and foster a respectful, long-term relationship with Parks Canada, rooted in transparency and collaboration. We are also committed to building respectful partnerships with First Nations communities, where invited, and supporting their leadership, and enduring connection to this land.
In 2024, Parks Canada discovered zebra mussels in Clear Lake and promptly announced a temporary ban on motorized boats – and later all watercraft – for the summer, aiming to prevent further spread of this invasive species. Following consultations with scientists and Indigenous advisers, Parks Canada concluded that complete eradication of zebra mussels was not feasible and initially planned to lift the boat ban for the 2025 season and adopt a ‘one boat one lake’ policy.
However, on May 16, 2025, Parks Canada unexpectedly reversed their decision, opting to maintain restrictions on motorized watercraft for another year without clear scientific justification.
This arbitrary policy reversal has had a profound impact on the Clear Lake community, affecting local businesses, cabin owners, and tourists alike. For decades, we have relied on responsible boating access not only for economic livelihoods but also as a cornerstone of our community's identity and Manitoba’s welcoming spirit to visitors.
At Fairness for Clear Lake, we advocate for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes that consider the long-term interests of all stakeholders involved. Join us in safeguarding Clear Lake and promoting fair policies that uphold the values of collaboration and sustainability.
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Media Contact:
Isabelle Del Rio
+1 (204) 285-0623
About Us
Fairness for Clear Lake is a coalition of long-standing community organizations committed to advocating for transparent, inclusive decision-making about the future of the lake and the broader community. Our first priority is advocating for Parks Canada to lift their arbitrary boat ban on Clear Lake for the 2025 season.
Our group includes leaders from the Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce (WCC), the Clear Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (CLCOA), the Clear Lake Cabin Owners’ Association (CLCA), and the Clear Lake Country Destination Enrichment Organization (CLC).
Historically, Parks Canada engaged with the local community through the Wasagaming Tenants’ Association (WTA), which was recognized in the Park’s Management Plan as the body to be consulted on issues of significance to stakeholders. However – despite a desire for consultation from the community – in recent years, Parks Canada has ceased formally recognizing the WTA and has not established a new framework for community consultation and collaboration. This lack of structure has led to inconsistent engagement and decision-making that leaves out the voices of those most affected.
Fairness for Clear Lake is seeking a renewed, formalized partnership model, similar to frameworks in place in other national parks like Prince Albert and Waterton. We believe Clear Lake deserves the same level of respectful collaboration.
All funds raised through this campaign will be held in trust on behalf of the leadership of the four founding organizations of this campaign: Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce (WCC), the Clear Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (CLCOA), the Clear Lake Cabin Owners’ Association (CLCA), and the Clear Lake Country Destination Enrichment Organization (CLC). Funds will only be distributed at the direction of these organizations. The reversal of the motorized boat ban is the lightning rod for our fundraising efforts. The funds will only be used for legal action, advocacy, and communications efforts on behalf of these organizations. The funds are held in trust by GoFundMe and Impact Public Affairs.
Media Corner
July 31, 2025
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June 18, 2025
Document Library
August 18, 2025 –
As the leaders and volunteers behind Fairness for Clear Lake, we want to take a moment to reaffirm what
we’re working toward, what brought our community together in such a profound way, and why we remain
steadfast in our efforts — not just today, but for the long term.
August 2025 –
My cottage has been in our family since 1945. Five generations have and are still enjoying this
beautiful lake. My grandfather had a motorboat on the lake since day one. In fact my mother, as a
teenager used a motor boat to get across the lake to get to her summer job at a restaurant in
Wasagaming!
July 29, 2025 –
Sorry, I am not able to attend the Town Hall meeting in person. I sincerely
appreciate all the hard work by the individuals who have invested their spare
time and energy in organizing Fairness for Clear Lake.
July 29, 2025 –
Clear Lake is more than just a lake.
It is a jewel in the Riding Mountains.
It is a tourism and recreation destination for generations of Manitobans.
And as a destination it has become an integral part of our local economy.
July 29, 2025 –
The Liberal government’s refusal to engage with residents and stakeholders over Parks Canada’s sudden ban on motorized boat access to Clear Lake is yet another example of how out of touch this government is with rural Canadians.
July 29, 2025 –
While I apologize that I am unable to attend in-person, I would like to commend you for organizing this important discussion about the future of Clear Lake. All of you have a vested interest in the well-being and prosperity of this community.
July 28, 2025 –
I am contributing this letter in my capacity as the federal Conservative Shadow Minister for Tourism. First, I wish to write that I am in full support of the public letter written by my parliamentary colleague, Dan Mazier, addressed to the Parks Canada Riding Mountain Field Unit Superintendent and dated May 22, 2025.
July 9, 2025 –
Over the past several weeks, Fairness for Clear Lake (FFCL) has continued to build momentum in our efforts to restore fair and transparent access to Clear Lake and overturn the ban on motorized watercraft by Parks Canada.
July 7, 2025 –
AAE Tech Services Inc. (AAE) is pleased to present this desktop assessment of Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) dispersal in Clear Lake, prepared on behalf of the Fairness for Clear Lake group. This work was initiated in response to the confirmed presence of zebra mussel veligers and adults in Clear Lake, located within Riding Mountain National Park, and the subsequent containment actions taken by Parks Canada, including the restriction of watercraft use on the lake (Parks Canada, 2022; Government of Manitoba, 2023).
July 2025 –
Dear Minister Guilbeault,
As the organization representing a growing coalition of stakeholders in the Clear Lake area, Fairness for Clear Lake writes today with a sincere desire to restore dialogue and trust between Parks Canada and our community.
July 2025 –
Dear Mr. Hallman,
We are writing on behalf of Fairness for Clear Lake, a coalition representing a wide cross-section of community members, local organizations, and businesses in the Clear Lake area. Each of us has made independent and repeated efforts to engage with Parks Canada and the leadership at Riding Mountain National Park in good faith, with the goal of fostering a respectful and collaborative relationship.
July 2025 –
Dear Superintendent Cooper,
As representatives of Fairness for Clear Lake, we are writing on behalf of a broad coalition of community members, business operators, and long-time stakeholders who care deeply about the health and future of Riding Mountain National Park. Over the past several years, individuals and groups within our community have made countless efforts to build a productive and respectful relationship with your office and the RMNP field unit team.
June 18, 2025 – CLEAR LAKE, MB – Fairness for Clear Lake has taken the difficult but necessary step of filing an application for Judicial review of the Parks Canada decision announced on Friday May 16th regarding Clear Lake. This is not a move we take lightly. Our goal is not conflict—it is collaboration. We are calling for a new relationship with Parks Canada—one built on respect, transparency, and meaningful engagement with communities.