Latest status
The survey to provide input on the submission of a VORR application to Transport Canada is now closed. The survey was live between January 11 and March 1, 2021. Staff will now review and compile input provided by the public and develop a summary of feedback that will be posted on this page.
Overview
The RMOW is considering an application for a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR) to prohibit the use of internal combustion vessels on Alta Lake.
A VORR is obtained by submitting an application to Transport Canada, the federal agency that governs all bodies of water and recreational vessels in Canada, including municipal lakes. Should the application be submitted and approved, the regulation would only permit the use of human-powered and electric-powered motors on the lake. Federal authorities such as the RCMP and the Conservation Officer Service would be responsible for monitoring and enforcement of the regulation.
The decision to explore the federal regulation was prompted by the recent increase of gas-powered recreation crafts on Alta Lake and the related environmental and safety hazards. Notable concerns include improperly stored and maintained motors which leak contaminants into the lake and fuels being unsafely stored lakeshore, increasing the community’s vulnerability to wildfires.
The proposed regulation closely aligns with the RMOW’s Official Community Plan Goal 7.3: Water quality and quantity in local water bodies, streams and groundwater are protected and is part of the larger Lake Management Strategy, presented to Council in May 2020.
Should the community support an application for a VORR, an application will be submitted in Spring 2021, with an anticipated decision from Transport Canada in 2022.
Timeline
- January 11 to March 1, 2021: Community Input regarding the submission of a VORR application via online survey
- Spring 2021: If community supported, submission of VORR application to Transport Canada
- 2022: Anticipated decision from Transport Canada on VORR application
Community engagement
Lake users and stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide their input on the proposed regulation by completing a survey between January 11 and March 1, 2021. Public input will determine if the community supports applying to Transport Canada to prohibit the use of internal combustion vessels on Alta Lake.