Canada Invests $1.6M to Restore Lake Winnipeg

Lake Winnipeg supports over 25% of Canada’s freshwater fishery revenue, contributes $600 million annually in hydroelectric generation, and holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for many First Nations and Métis communities. Spanning more than one million square kilometers, the lake’s basin crosses four Canadian provinces and four U.S. states and contains about 70% of Canada’s cropland, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural economy.

However, nutrient loading, invasive species, and climate-related changes have put increasing pressure on the lake’s health. Algal blooms—fueled largely by phosphorus runoff from farmland—have intensified over the past decade, threatening biodiversity, local livelihoods, and water security across the basin.

“These projects enable the local action necessary to protect and restore Lake Winnipeg,” said Minister Julie Dabrusin, who also serves as the Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency. “Water is fundamental to our economic, environmental, and cultural well-being, yet it is under growing threat.”

The initiatives, funded through the Canada Water Agency’s Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, will focus on improving water quality and ecosystem resilience through science-based interventions.

Key recipients include:

• Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium – receives $708,900 to support in-lake science, including operation of research vessels MV Namao and MV Fylgia, which monitor lake health for governments and academia.
• Ducks Unlimited Canada – receives $150,600 to protect and restore wetlands, reducing phosphorus runoff and promoting sustainable farming practices. “This funding is critical to our conservation goals and will reduce phosphorus runoff to Lake Winnipeg by 16 to 18 tonnes,” said Nicole Chammartin, Chief Development and Sustainability Officer.
• The University of Winnipeg – receives $218,000 to map phosphorus runoff risk during snowmelt and test soil amendments to help retain nutrients in agricultural soils. “By targeting phosphorus runoff at its source, we can improve soil management and help protect Lake Winnipeg’s water quality,” said Dr. Darshani Kumaragamage, Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences.

Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, Secretary-Treasurer of the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium, added that continued collaboration is vital:

“This support has allowed us to make our ship more energy-efficient and to expand community outreach. Partnerships like this are essential to sustaining the efforts needed to address the complex challenges facing Lake Winnipeg.”

The Canada Water Agency, headquartered in Winnipeg since becoming a stand-alone agency in October 2024, coordinates freshwater protection efforts nationwide. Its strengthened Freshwater Action Plan aims to improve water management across critical ecosystems such as the Great Lakes, Lake Simcoe, and the Saint John River Basin.