Montreal, March 9, 2022
TRANSMISSION BY EMAIL
Mr. Benoit Charette, Minister
Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change
Marie-Guyart Building
675 René-Lévesque Boulevard East, 30th floor
Quebec (Quebec) G1R 5V7
Subject: Ministerial intervention to ensure a reserved flow for the Petite Nation River
Minister,
We believe that ministerial intervention has become necessary to ensure a reserved flow for the Petite Nation River, downstream of the dam operated by the municipality of Lac Simon (dam #: X0002813).
Currently, the operation of this dam means that the flow of the Petite Nation River decreases quickly and drastically when manipulations of beams, aimed at controlling the water level of Lac Simon, are carried out. In addition, the flow rates are largely insufficient during the summer period because of this control. In addition to the management of the Lac Simon dam, water withdrawals used to supply agricultural activities (accompanied by agricultural runoff) accentuate the already significant water stress in the watershed of the Petite Nation River and the Rouge River.
To this end, Jean-François Venne, the president of Camping Pierre Radisson Canoe Club, sent you a letter with the subject CAMPAIGN “SAVE THE PETITE NATION RIVER” dated January 27, 2022, letter on which Fondation Rivières was copied. This letter presented very well the issues faced by riverside residents and enthusiasts of the Petite Nation River, as well as recommendations to resolve this problem. Subsequent communications with Mr. Venne indicate to us that your firm has still not responded to this letter, after having acknowledged receipt. We reiterate its invitation to read the file and take steps to resolve the conflict of use that has been reported to you.
This situation has numerous economic impacts on the populations downstream of the dam, as well as on the aquatic fauna and flora of the Petite Nation River. In view of this, we believe that a reserved flow should be established and that mediation should be triggered by your ministry between the different stakeholders of the river. Failing to reduce the quantities of water withdrawn for agricultural purposes, monitoring of the integrity of agricultural riparian strips should also be carried out to ensure that the Petite Nation River does not suffer, in addition to its low flow, a pollution by agricultural runoff.
Fondation Rivières will continue to follow this matter with interest. Although protecting access to water for recreational purposes is part of our mission, our first prerogative will always remain to preserve the natural character of rivers. Character which, in this case, can be distorted by significant recreational and agricultural uses. We hope that you will take the time to study this matter, that you will respond to the letter sent to you in January and that you will intervene soon to ensure the integrity of the Petite Nation River and Lake Simon.
Please accept, Mr. Minister, the expression of our distinguished greetings.
Alain Saladzius, P.Eng., FIC
President, Fondation Rivières
Photo: Stéphanie Beauregard
