Quill Lakes Watershed Association Facing Closure Due to Government Inaction

Media Release, Ian McNichol

July 22, 2025

Local residents and landowners formed the QLWA in response to rising water levels in the Quill Lakes.

An independent economic study commissioned by the QLWA, determined that the region suffered an estimated $253 million in losses between 2012 and 2018 alone. This number includes the value of lost crop and livestock production, the decreased market value of farmland and buildings, as well as
infrastructure losses.

The WSA instructed the QLWA to develop a flood mitigation project. Potential projects led by the QLWA have included:
• A Hydraulic Modelling Study of the Kutawagan Drainage System to evaluate the redirection runoff away from the Quill Lakes toward Saline Creek.
• Geotechnical investigations to define the historic Kutawagan drainage channel.
• A deep well injection study to lower lake levels.
• A WSA-requested study on diverting Ironspring and Romance Creeks toward Jansen Lake and Lanigan Creek. This study also included a preliminary assessment of the irrigation potential of Jansen Lake.

These studies were presented to the WSA but the province repeatedly declined to move forward with any of the potential projects. A recent QLWA funding request through the Agricultural Water Management Fund was also denied, citing high economic costs and limited long-term impact.

The QLWA will continue to engage with the Water Security Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment. If the province cannot commit to a flood mitigation project, the QLWA will be forced to dissolve.

The QLWA urges all stakeholders to recognize the urgency of the situation and take meaningful steps to address this long-standing issue.