click on link below:
RMNP Licensed Contractors as of June 1, 2026
Clear Lake Cabin Association Updates – May 23/2026
Clear Lake Cabin Association
- Clean: Remove all mud, plants, and debris from watercraft and equipment
- Drain: Empty all water from boats, motors, bilges, and gear
- Dry: watercraft and all equipment thoroughly between launches
A one-boat, one-lake approach helps prevent the spread of invasive species. Help protect park waters by having one set of equipment for Clear Lake and a different set for the other lakes in the park.
All watercraft, towables, wet and dry suits, diving gear, and inflatables that carry more than one person must be inspected by Parks Canada staff and registered for an annual permit.
Protecting our waters is a shared responsibility. Everyone has an important role to play.
Inspection station
- Location: Boat Cove in Wasagaming
- Hours: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm daily
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2026 CLCA Spring Newsletter
- May 2026 Membership Newsletter
Hello everyone,
Your Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) Board is pleased to share an update on our activities over the past nine months. It has been a busy and productive period, and we are happy to highlight several key initiatives.
To keep members informed, we will continue to send email updates and post information on our website at: www.clearlakecabinassociation.org
- 2026 Membership Drive
In March, Parks Canada included our membership mailer with RMNP lease payment invoices. We hope this made it more convenient for many of you to renew or join.
At the same time, we introduced a new automated system to streamline membership sign-ups. This system allows us to collect member information, update as well as maintain our email distribution list, and match Interac payments with minimal manual effort. In short, it helps us stay better connected while reducing administrative workload.
By joining CLCA, you will continue to receive regular communications and be provided with an opportunity to participate actively in both the July General Meeting and the September Annual General Meeting by exercising your assigned Voting privileges. Membership remains $10 for the 2026 season.
All funds directly support advocacy and initiatives that enhance the Clear Lake cabin area for everyone.
If you have not yet signed up, please use the link: Membership Sign Up
- Incorporation as a Nonprofit Organization
During work on our website and operations last fall, we discovered that CLCA was not formally incorporated and that the name had not been registered with the Manitoba Companies Office.
After careful consideration, the Board determined that Incorporation is an important and practical next business step. Some of the key benefits include, but are not limited to:
- The ability to enter into formal agreements, including specific “Memorandums of Understanding” with Parks Canada that address common concerns of our seasonal Cabin Community
- Access to preferred pricing (e.g., Google Workspace for Nonprofits)
- Limited liability protection for Board members
- The option to hold property and assets in the Association’s name
- Increased credibility through a formal governance structure
- The ability to consider the establishment of an Old Campground Enrichment Fund
Our initial request to register the name “Clear Lake Cabin Association” was declined due to its similarity to the “Clear Lake Cottage Owners Association.” As a result, and after due consideration, the CLCA Board selected “Old Campground Cabin Association” as the new legal name. The name was registered in December 2025, and the organization was granted Incorporated status in January of 2026.
The cost to incorporate was modest: a one-time fee of $210 and an annual filing fee of $40.
We will continue operating as CLCA until members can openly and in-person meet as a group to discuss and vote to formally complete the initiated transition by reaffirming the Association’s current Board of Directors. At the General Business Meeting scheduled on Saturday July 4, 2026, members will be asked to approve a suitably tabled Motion placing the CLCA in a position to commence operations as an Incorporated Nonprofit under the newly named “Old Campground Cabin Association Inc.”. Only the name changes; our day-to-day operations, priorities, purpose and Mission will remain basically the same but strengthened with the added benefit of now being viewed as a recognized legal entity.
Further details will be included in the July 4 meeting package, which you will receive in early June.
As mentioned above, we are completing work on our new enhanced website, which is expected to be launched in early July. In addition to email updates, information regarding the Old Campground and RMNP will be posted there for easy reference. We will also be updating our email system in early July which will allow us to send email updates more effectively than what our current system allows us to do.
- July 4 General Meeting
Please mark your calendar for our General Meeting on Saturday, July 4. Additional details and an Agenda will be shared in the coming weeks.
We are pleased to announce that Tom Sheldon, RMNP Field Unit Superintendent, and Jim Avram, Townsite Manager, will be joining us to discuss matters that affect the residents of the Old Campground.
This will be an excellent opportunity to hear directly from Parks Canada and learn more about what lies ahead for the Old Campground and the broader Clear Lake Community.
- Fairness for Clear Lake (FFCL)
FFCL continues its work toward the re-establishment of the Wasagaming Tenants Association (WTA). Discussions with RMNP are ongoing, with the goal of developing a Memorandum of Understanding or or an appropriate and binding Terms of Reference.
Further updates will be shared as progress continues.
Thank you for being a part of the CLCA.
- Water is on in the Old Campground
I spoke with Miles from Gord’s Plumbing, who advised that approximately 95% of cabins currently have running water. The remaining 5% are still without water due to frozen lines.
Jim Avram has just confirmed that the water in the Old Campground is safe for personal consumption.
- Westman Internet Project
Parks Canada is still waiting for a revised proposal from Westman. They have reached out for a status update.
Terry Botterill
On behalf of the Board of Directors
info@clearlakecabinassociation.org
CLCA Board of Directors
Officers
Terry Botterill – President
Rick Grimshaw – Vice President
Dan Leitch – Treasurer
Colin Gilmore – Secretary
Christian Robin – Past President
Members at Large
Carl Adam
Kyle Bazylo
Kyla Cottom
John George
Michael Hance
Jill Lee
Gale Simpson
Andrew Urbanowicz
Managing Watercraft and Protecting Park Waters
- Hi everyone,
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Water System Seasonal Maintenance Notice
- Seasonal water start up notice (Click on link)
May 6, 2026
To: Seasonal residents of the Clear Lake Cabin Area and the Clear Lake Cottage Area east of Primula Street.
Park staff are planning to turn on the seasonal water supply this week (weather dependent). Due to colder temperatures, water start‑up may take longer; in this case, the intention is to have the seasonal water system turned on next week (the week of May 11).
Once turned on, the water supply will undergo routine seasonal start‑up procedures.
Part of this process includes testing the water to confirm that it is safe for consumption.
During seasonal start‑up, water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before it is used for:
• Drinking and ice making
• Beverage preparation, such as infant formula
• Preparing food
• Brushing teeth
A subsequent notice will be sent out once testing results indicate that the water is safe for human consumption.
Please contact Jim Avram, Acting Townsite Manager at (204) 441-0428 if you have any questions.
Thomas Sheldon
Field Unit Superintendent
Clear Lake Watercraft Decision – April 8, 2026
Greetings,
I’m writing to provide an update on the recent watercraft management decision announced earlier today by Tom Sheldon, Field Unit Superintendent, and Parks Canada.
Here is the link to the official announcement.
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/securite-safety/bulletins/c7a4524b-bb2c-4cb5-bd2b-0f29d82b3afb
I’d also like to share the update from Friends of Clear Lake (FFCL). Please find below their response and perspective on today’s Parks Canada decision.
Thank you
Terry Botterill
Clear Lake Cabin Association
April 8 2026 FFCL Message to Community – Watercraft Decision
Fairness for Clear Lake Update – March 6, 2026
Fairness for Clear Lake is Expecting a Decision on Watercraft Management Soon
Fairness for Clear Lake has been working hard to advocate for our community and for a One Boat, One Lake solution for Clear Lake. Based on our ongoing consultations with the Superintendent of RMNP, we understand that a decision on watercraft is likely to come within the next ten days.
We continue to be actively involved in discussions with park leadership to ensure a reasonable and balanced decision and to formalize a collaborative relationship with Parks Canada.
Until a decision has been made, we ask our community for patience, and we encourage supporters to avoid speculation at this time. It is our understanding that the Superintendent has not yet shared the final decision with any stakeholders.
We appreciate your engagement and support, and we will share further updates with you when we receive them.
RMNP Summer Jobs – 2026
Riding Mountain National Park
Application deadline: March 1, 2026
Click on link below for details
RMNP – AIS Update
Riding Mountain National Park AID Update
Hello CLCA members, please see the latest update from Tom Sheldon Superintendent, Riding Mountain Field Unit – Parks Canada on AIS monitoring in Clear Lake and throughout Riding Mountain National Park. It also provides an overview of next steps toward a decision on watercraft use for 2026.
Terry Botterill
President Clear Lake Cabin Association
From Tom:
I am reaching out to share an update on aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring in Riding Mountain National Park and outline the next steps toward a decision on watercraft management for 2026.
This year, we detected the first veliger (zebra mussel larvae) in Clear Lake, along with two adult zebra mussels and approximately 15 juveniles.
Elsewhere in Riding Mountain National Park, there has been no detection of zebra mussels or any other AIS in outlying lakes in the park, such as Lake Katherine, Grayling Lake, Moon Lake, Lake Audy, Whirlpool Lake, Bob Hill Lake, or Deep Lake. This is a testament to the efforts of many, including the public.
Additional details, including a map and table of zebra mussel monitoring results for 2025, are available on our website:
https://parks.canada.ca/faq-ais
We continue to work closely with Manitoba’s AIS team to prevent zebra mussels from spreading beyond the park, and internally to prevent the spread to outlying lakes. This includes boat inspections, decontamination, and monitoring of Wasamin Creek. This year alone, our team inspected 7,561 non-motorized watercraft and decontaminated over 800 before they entered the water.
When considering decisions about potential watercraft use on Clear Lake and other lakes in Riding Mountain National Park for the 2026 season, among other items, we will consider:
Monitoring results from this and previous years
A third-party review of the impacts of motorized watercraft on inland lakes
Feedback from phase 1 of the Riding Mountain National Park management planning process
Consultation with Section 35 rights holders and input from stakeholders
Parks Canada is targeting February 2026 for a decision.
Trail Connections and Conservation

Screenshot
Boreal Trail Now Open
WASAGAMING, MB, September 23, 2025 – Construction work to repair and upgrade the Boreal Trail in Riding Mountain National Park is now complete. The work was undertaken to address damage caused by severe weather events in the spring and summer of 2022. Trail upgrades enhance this iconic visitor offer, making it safer, more reliable, and more accessible for a wide range of park guests. The Boreal Trail is now open and ready to welcome visitors this fall.
Key improvements include:
A new trailhead and interpretive signage, developed in collaboration with Anishinaabe Elders, offering cultural insights to enrich the visitor experience
Removal of damaged infrastructure
Rebuilding of the trail tread
Installation of new boardwalks and bridges
Improved drainage systems
Landscaping to support accessibility and long-term sustainability
Parks Canada thanks visitors and community members for their patience during construction and celebrates the completion of this important project.
Fairness for Clear Lake Petition
Fairness – Petition Tuesday Sept 23
Hi CLCA Members,
We recently received communication from Fairness for Clear Lake regarding a new petition they would like our members to be aware of. The petition asks Parks Canada to reverse its decision and reinstate the “one boat, one lake” policy. It is now open to the public for signatures and will remain open until October 17.
We encourage you to review the petition and, should you choose, show your support by adding your name.
You can view and sign the petition here:
Petition Link https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-6756)
Sincerely,
Terry Botterill
President Clear Lake Cabin Owners Association
Business License Listing – August 29, 2025
Kayak Racks – Day Use


With permission from Parks, the CLCA has purchased kayak/SUP racks for the new 2nd Street docks area. Please note that these are for day-use only — no overnight storage. Feel free to bring your watercraft to the area in the morning and leave them throughout the day as you access the water multiple times (sunrise to sunset).
Most racks will be placed up near the Jamboree Hall (an area newly closed off to motor vehicles that we’re now calling “Lakeshore Park”), with a few more placed down by the water. Please give priority to folks with mobility issues when using the racks down by the water
Note 1: we still have crossbeams coming (for rack stability) as well as signs that explain the purpose of the racks.
Note 2: the Board is still working with Parks and a local business operator on a long term vision for kayak/SUP/canoe storage near the water (including ideas to accommodate overnight storage). Stay tuned.
Note 3: the Board has asked the Parks for bike racks and garbage bins for the 2nd Street docks area
Cabin Area Development Policy – June 2025
Active licenced contractors as of July 18, 2025
Business Licence Listing for Distribution – July 18, 2025
Please see attached an updated list of the current active licenced contractors as of July 18, 2025. As the business licences are processed, RMNP will update the list.
Onanole Trail Temporary Closure for Safety – Wildlife in Area
From: Mireille Kroeker <mireille.kroeker@pc.gc.ca>
Temporary Closure for Safety – Wildlife in Area
Good afternoon,
The section of the Onanole Trail that extends through Riding Mountain National Park is temporarily closed for public safety due to wildlife in the area. The closure will be removed when the area is deemed safe.
I have attached a map, which can also be found online here: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/securite-safety/bulletins/82ca9e53-6469-48e0-8bff-bb722027944b
Clear Lake Cabin Spring 2025 Newsletter
https://clearlakecabinassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLCASpring2025Newsletter-1.pdf
AIS Parks Canada Update
And here’s the latest news on the AIS situation…
======================
WASAGAMING, MB, September 9, 2024 – The containment curtain installed in Clear Lake at Riding Mountain National Park in early August will be removed. The curtain isolated an area of the lake where living zebra mussels were found in November 2023 and July 2024. The curtain was damaged and is no longer an effective means of containment and cannot be repaired or replaced this fall. The private contractor that provided and installed the curtain will be responsible for its removal.
For the remainder of the 2024 open water season, Parks Canada will continue intensive monitoring for environmental DNA (eDNA), veligers, and evidence of live zebra mussels in Clear Lake. This monitoring will continue until ice forms and will help determine whether plans for a potential eradication or control treatment are feasible. Potash is a molluscicide approved for use by Health Canada.
The temporary watercraft management measures for Clear Lake remain in place and Boat Cove remains closed to public access.
Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation and takes actions to protect national parks and national marine conservation areas while contributing to the prevention and mitigation of the spread of aquatic invasive species. ParksCanada will continue to work with partners, stakeholders, and other jurisdictions to ensure that decisions surrounding the next steps are made using the best possible evidence.
Parks Canada thanks the community and local First Nations for their ongoing support for the aquatic invasive species program in Riding Mountain National Park and thanks everybody for the commitment to working together to attempt to further identify and mitigate the impacts of zebra mussels in Clear Lake.
The Information Bulletin can be found online here: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/securite-safety/bulletins/2d0a7f45-528c-4532-83b1-29b48ea23231
Restricted activities – Boat Cove Area Closure
From RMNP
Authorized Personnel Only
What:
Pursuant to Section 36(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, the following area(s) is hereby closed by order of the Superintendent.
Where:
200 metres of the Clear Lake South Shore trail from Boat Cove to the intersection with the South Lake East trail
Boat Cove parking area, including shoreline
All water (surface to bottom) and shoreline extending from the western edge of Boat Cove to the end of the pier (see map 1).
Why:
For deployment of containment curtain for potential treatment of aquatic invasive species.
Note:
Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act. Maximum Penalty $25,000
START DATE: 2024-07-25
END DATE: Until further notice
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/securite-safety/bulletins/9fdb1564-c664-4f7c-b443-85b02e4b4b07




























