Shoal Lake, Manitoba

There are three Shoal Lakes in Manitoba.

Shoal Lake, Ontario

At the eastern border of the province with Ontario, a portion of Shoal Lake and the surrounding watershed lies within Manitoba.[1]

Shoal Lake, Manitoba

On the west side of the province, approximately 100 km northwest of Brandon, Manitoba is a 9 km long lake called Shoal Lake. The community of Shoal Lake (50°26′16″N 100°35′28″W) is located at the north end of the lake.[2]. Both are located in the Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake. [3]

• Map of Shoal Lake at Statcan

Shoal Lakes, Manitoba

Located in the southern Interlake region (between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba), the North, West, and East Shoal lakes were originally one lake. In 1912 the Wagon Creek drain was constructed and the water level fell four to five metres, creating three separate alkaline lakes containing a number of islands. The surrounding territory is generally cattle pasture, with some rocky areas. Because of the flat nature of the surrounding terrain, small fluctuations in water level significantly affect the local habitat. The lakes are a significant location for migrating and nesting waterfowl.[4]

Currently the 3 lakes have flooded into 1 lake, leaving Highway 299 west of Highway 17 underwater and damaged for 2.5 miles. Highway 518 (Ideal Road) is underwater for 1 mile south of Highway 415, and Highway 415 west of Inwood, Manitoba is underwater for 2-3 miles leaving many families to fend for themselves due to government inaction or indecision. As of this post (October 6 2010), an estimated 11 farms are in danger of flooding; in 18 months this number may double because of neglect to the natural drains or the redirection of the natural flow of water due to the dealings of Ducks Unlimited and the government of the day.[5]^{[citation needed]}