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The increasing presence of severe algae blooms has raised serious concerns about the water quality at Brereton Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. The shockingly green waters are not just unappealing; they pose potential health risks. Eutrophication (excess nutrients) can lead to oxygen depletion, harming aquatic life and disrupting the natural ecosystem. With Algae Advisory signs posted at the public-access beaches, the Province has acknowledged there are risks to swimming in blue-green algae blooms. The algae not only diminish the lake's beauty but make us question: Is it safe for our children to swim? Is the water quality suitable for recreational activities, domestic purposes, and wildlife?

JOIN US in urging the Manitoba government to take immediate action to assess the water quality at Brereton Lake, identify the exact causes of eutrophication (excess nutrients), and develop a comprehensive short- and long-term plan to tackle the root issues leading to these severe algae blooms.

This is not just about preserving the scenic and leisure potential of Brereton Lake; it is about ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for all who cherish this natural asset. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to maintain the integrity of our beloved lake.

We will send the following letter to the Hon. Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change by the end of August.

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION AND LET’S SAVE BRERETON LAKE!

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THIS LETTER HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY (_) PEOPLE IN A PETITION 

Dear Minister Moyes:

We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating water quality of Brereton Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park and its implications for public health, recreational use, economic investment, and long-term ecological sustainability. This problem requires urgent attention. 

We represent concerned voters who have personally experienced the negative impacts of the algae problem at Brereton Lake. A petition with (_) signatures at the time of writing has been attached to this letter in support of this document, which seeks a meeting with you to jointly discuss the assessment, identification, and remediation steps necessary to resolve the critical algae situation at Brereton Lake.  

The severity, duration, and frequency of blue-green algae blooms have become an increasingly serious concern. This year, blooms appeared significantly earlier than in previous years, are extremely concentrated, and are long-lasting. While conditions during the summer of 2026 have been particularly alarming, our concerns are not limited to this year alone. There has been a persistent decline in water quality over the years, with algae blooms appearing more frequently, lasting longer, and affecting larger areas of the lake. We are concerned that Brereton Lake may be approaching a critical tipping point, where immediate intervention is required to protect the long-term health of the lake.

Meeting Request

We recognize that the Province is responsible for and has a stewardship role in managing water quality in all Provincial waterways. The concern about algae issues at Brereton Lake has been a long-standing issue, confirmed by the 2008 addition of Brereton Lake to the list of vulnerable water bodies. The algae problem has become increasingly more concerning in recent years, impacting the biological health of the lake. As such, we request an urgent meeting between the Minister and members of our leadership team so we can understand the Province’s assessment of the Brereton Lake algae issue and be updated on the current plans to resolve the eutrophication (excess nutrients causing algae). 

Human and Animal Health Risks

The risks and impact to lake users is significant. Algae advisory notices posted by the Province at two of Brereton’s beaches show the Manitoba government acknowledges there are concerns regarding the health risks of blue-green algae. This information affects confidence in the safety of the lake for cottagers and visitors alike. We are concerned about the toxicity—risks of swimming and using the lake water for domestic purposes, as is the norm. Cottagers worry that young children, pets, and they themselves are exposed to health risks that may be unidentified. 

Environmental Health of the Lake

Brereton Lake clearly has excessive algae growth, beyond the point which nature can handle, leading to eutrophication (excess nutrients). This can cause reduced oxygen levels and toxic harm to aquatic life. From our own observations and from talking with commercial operators and contractors who visit other lakes, the growth of algae at Brereton is much greater than at any other lake in the Whiteshell. The Provincial government has officially recognized the frailty of Brereton Lake, designating it a “vulnerable lake” in The Nutrient Management Regulation 62-2008, subsection 3(4) under The Water Protection Act. 

We have enclosed photographs and video footage of the lake waters. 

Importance of Brereton Lake

Brereton Lake is the original lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park and it is one of the most extensively used lakes in the park, especially in view of its small size. It supports:

·       approximately 348 cottages;

·       two resort businesses;

·       a large public campground;

·       three public-access beaches;

·       three public boat launches;

·       a large camp for children with critical health challenges;

·       27 cottages of permanent residents; and

·       thousands of visitors annually.

The lake is an important recreational, environmental, and economic asset for Manitoba. The continued deterioration of water quality risks impacting tourism, local businesses, recreational opportunities, and public confidence in one of Manitoba's well-known provincial park destinations.

A Concerned Community 

With only five days’ notice, over 160 concerned cottagers and lake-users met in-person on August 2, 2026 to discuss water quality at our lake. The level of participation demonstrates the sense of urgency and widespread concern felt throughout the Brereton Lake community regarding the rapidly declining water quality. 

Following that meeting, the Brereton Lake Water Quality Committee (269+ members), was established to assist in gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and seeking an opportunity to work collaboratively with government officials to determine the causes of the eutrophication (excess nutrients) and to identify and implement corrective mitigative measures.

The more than (_) signatories to the petition represent cottagers, users, and friends of Brereton Lake who have personally experienced the negative impact of the algae issues. 

Request for Provincial Action

The Whiteshell Provincial Park is under the ownership of the Province of Manitoba. The Province has been, and is, responsible for managing the historic development of Brereton Lake private cottages/resorts and public infrastructure, the ongoing management and modifications of these developments, and establishment and enforcement of environmental protection measures associated with these. The Park is dedicated to the people of Manitoba and visitors to Manitoba, and The Provincial Park Act legislation states it is to be maintained for the benefit of future generations. The Park is a special place and plays an important role in the protection of natural lands and the quality of life of Manitobans. 

As per the Manitoba Environment and Climate Change website, “Protecting water quality is essential to ensure that water is available for all current and future designated uses and ecosystem needs. Manitoba has strong water protection legislation that regulates nutrient application and restricts development in environmentally sensitive areas and has established water quality standards objectives and guidelines to protect our valuable water resources.”

We understand that this summer, government employees have intensified monitoring the water at Brereton Lake’s public-access beaches to further assess its condition for safety purposes and have posted signs warning of the danger of swimming in blue-green algae. This, however, is not solving the eutrophication problem. 

Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Province urgently take the following measures to resolve the algae issues and remediate the lake:

1.     further assess the eutrophic condition of Brereton Lake beyond simply the beaches;

2.     identify the causes of this condition;

3.   inform us of the comprehensive management plan you have developed with immediate mitigative measures that can be implemented now and in the short term (2026/2027) and longer term measures that may require further assessments and resources. 

The Framework

At least four acts are responsible for creating a Manitoba framework to legislatively govern water quality including: The Provincial Parks Act, The Water Protection Act, The Environment Act, and The Drinking Water Safety Act. Strong inter-departmental cooperation is paramount to ensuring a healthy lake. We would like to better understand the mechanisms and organizational structure currently in place for this inter-departmental cooperation regarding Brereton Lake’s water quality.

Our Commitment

We recognize that understanding and addressing harmful algal blooms is a complex scientific and management challenge. We are committed to working constructively with the Province and other stakeholders to identify and implement solutions that protect both the ecological integrity of Brereton Lake and the well-being of those who use and love the lake so much, and wish it to survive for future generations. 

We respectfully request an urgent meeting. Kindly contact Barbara King at breretonlakewatercommittee@gmail.com regarding a date.

A reply within four weeks is respectfully requested. We look forward to working collaboratively towards a healthier future for Brereton Lake. 

Sincerely,

The Brereton Lake Water Quality Committee

Leadership Team 

Barbara King

Christine Jansen

Judith Blair

Bill Brown 

Pamela Ormonde

Jen Verch

Greg Meade

 

Enc. 

1) photographs 

2) video

3) petition 

 

cc: The Hon. Wab Kinew, Premier