As summer quickly approaches and the weather heats up, many will be heading to the lake. There have been articles on invasive species and other dangers to the lake, but what about the damage that excessive boat speeds can do?
Earlier in the month I received an email from a very concerned resident who has noticed some deterioration to an area of shoreline on the lake. Tim says that although he has only lived in Chestermere for just over a year, he is concerned about boaters not adhering to the speed limit north of the Chestermere Blvd bridge.
“During nice weather, it is a daily occurrence to see boaters race around this area with water skiers and rafts in tow going well over the 15km speed limit. Initially I thought this rule was in place so that kayakers paddle boarders etc. could have a place where they could enjoy calmer waters. Perhaps this is the case, though I constantly see large waves splashing up on the shore from speeding boats eroding away our beautiful shoreline.” explains Tim.
I contacted the City of Chestermere for some insight into the policing of our lake and the rules and received the following statement. “As the Lake is federally regulated, the speed limit of 12 km/h is set by the Federal Government under schedule 5 of the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (SOR/2008-120) and it is currently the RCMP who patrol and enforce those limits. The peninsula is owned by the Western Irrigation District (WID). If City staff notice concerns with the lake shore, they provide that information to the WID and earlier this summer staff made WID aware of the concerns in that area”, said Corporate Communications Strategist with the City of Chestermere, Megan Matthies.
Not complying with lake speed limits not only runs the risk of damaging shorelines, but can also get boaters in some trouble. I reached out to Corporal Paul Zanon of the Chestermere RCMP Detachment who provided the following information.
“The speed limit is correct (12 kmh), but only for the entire area north of the bridge.
It is referenced as Chestermere Lake (north of Highway 1A) in the regulations. This is also posted at the boat launch. There are also buoys at the bridge area”, explained Corporal Zanon.
Although the lake speed is enforced by Chestermere Peace Officers, it is quite often the RCMP that are patrolling the lake. Corporal Zanon adds, “Legislation in Alberta requires the RCMP to compel a person who is speeding to court (Summons or an Appearance Notice) at which point they would speak to the judge who, upon a finding of guilt, would impose a fine. This process is much different than a roadside traffic ticket”.
Under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) Sec 2(5), Exceeding the Maximum Speed Limit on the lake will land you a $200 ticket.
Corporal Zanon also mentions, “In addition, it is illegal to consume and possess liquor on a boat, and as such violation tickets maybe issued and alcohol seized.
The exception is a vessel that has a proper “head” – nautical term for washroom – as part of its construction”.
During a recent weekend here in Chestermere, Corporal Zanon told me that 24 out of 30 boats that were checked were in violation of the law, typified with offences such as:
• Alcohol possession
• Inadequate or no lifejackets / pfd
• No spotter for towing a skier / tube
• Overweight / over capacity
Concerned resident, Tim, added, “Not only are we loosing our shoreline, but the sediment just gets washed out to the lake where it adds to an even bigger problem. If you want to take a walk yourself to see the damage, the ‘peninsula’ is the stretch of land dividing the canal waters that head North out of the lake and the Cove Beach area”.
Corporal Zanon adds, “Police are patrolling the lake and making checks!”
Let’s have a fun and safe summer, while protecting our beautiful lake and shores.
