I just thought I would share the latest initiative that Fairness For Clear Lake announced. The Clear Lake Cabin Association has supported Fairness since its inception, and this new effort aligns closely with our shared goals for a balanced and sustainable future for Clear Lake.
Here’s a quick overview of the initiative:
A community letter is being shared in support of a “one boat, one lake” approach for Clear Lake. This idea has strong Old Campground Community backing—71% support according to Parks Canada’s own survey—and aims to balance environmental protection with the recreational and cultural enjoyment of the lake. The letter encourages Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) and Parks Canada to work with local stakeholders to move this practical, widely supported solution forward.
Should you’d like to add your name in support of this specific initiative, please visit:
Once there, click the “Join the Movement” button and consent to provide your Name as well as preferred Contact Information. As an identified Responder, and assuming you as an individual decide to exercise the ability to do so, choose the offered option to complete and Submit your Letter.
Thanks, everyone, for taking a look and considering adding your voice to this effort.
Terry Botterill, CLCA President
Link:
Fairness for Clear Lake
- Fairness article to members and website
As a supporter of Fairness for Clear Lake (FFCL), the Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) is sharing the following update with you.
The Brandon Sun published a story yesterday providing new insight into Parks Canada’s recent decisions at Clear Lake. In response, FFCL has issued the statement below.
Terry Botterill
President, Clear Lake Cabin Association
From Fairness for Clear Lake
Recent media coverage in the Brandon Sun demonstrates that Parks Canada’s decision-making at Clear Lake has been flawed. The local reporting shows that their May reversal on allowing boats back on to Clear Lake was the result of pressure, and not from a transparent or evidence-based process. This media revelation speaks to the lack of fairness and consistency that the community has long been concerned about.
Park Canada’s approach has been far too reactive. When Andrew Campbell of Parks Canada mentioned a “legal threat” at the July community town hall, the facts were not clear. We now know through media reporting that a single phone call – not a formal injunction or court filing – led to the boat policy reversal. This unfortunately paints a picture of a Parks Canada decision made on the fly, rather than through proper consultation and science-based reviews.
Fairness for Clear Lake has always been focused on due process, respectful dialogue, and science-based solutions. Riding Mountain National Park’s new management has the opportunity to return to these fundamentals, and we have been encouraged by their willingness to engage with stakeholders.
Fairness for Clear Lake acknowledges and respects Chief Blackbird’s connection to the land and to the lake. As we move forward, we must ensure that all voices in the community can be heard when decisions affect the whole community in Clear Lake.
Now that the facts about Parks Canada’s reactive decision have been made public, there is a need for the agency to reset. The new local leadership must let science and consultations with the entire community lead the way on boating policy.
Fairness for Clear Lake
- Balancing protection & presentation of Canada’s natural & cultural heritage.
- We value the balance at the heart of Parks Canada’s mandate & believe that all management decisions should reinforce the interdependent goals of protection & presentation.
- A formalized framework for inclusive collaboration & transparent communication.
- Beyond park management, Parks Canada has a responsibility to build trust, bring diverse voices together, & create a culture of collaboration & shared stewardship.
- Alongside established Indigenous governance agreements, RMNP must adopt an ongoing & formalized co-governance agreement with local community organizations. To strengthen understanding & trust among all partners, Parks Canada must facilitate relationship-building activities & establish advisory working groups with shared stewardship priorities.
- RMNP must prioritize transparency in communications & decision-making, engaging in evidence-based, culturally informed decision-making, & providing transparent reporting so communities can see how their input shapes policies.
- Adoption of the One Boat, One Lake model.
- Fairness article to members and website
As a supporter of Fairness for Clear Lake (FFCL), the Clear Lake Cabin Association (CLCA) is sharing the following update with you.The Brandon Sun published a story yesterday providing new insight into Parks Canada’s recent decisions at Clear Lake. In response, FFCL has issued the statement below.Terry Botterill
President, Clear Lake Cabin Association, RMNP must adopt transparent, predictable & science-based policies for recreation management, conservation & AIS prevention. As a long-term management principle throughout RMNP, the One Boat, One Lake framework offers a replicable model of fairness.
Fairness for Clear Lake, Oct 8, 2025
Below is an update from Fairness for Clear Lake (FFCL), including two key documents and a presentation video that have recently been shared with the new Superintendent of Riding Mountain National Park. These materials are intended to support a constructive, solutions-oriented path toward a more formalized consultation and decision-making process between Parks Canada and the Clear Lake / Wasagaming community.
Documents:
FFCL Benchmarking Report & Governance Models Briefing
Fairness for Clear Lake – Potential Governance Models Briefing (1)
Proposed Terms of Reference for Parks Canada–Clear Lake negotiations
Terms of Reference TOR for Clear Lake and Parks Canada negotiations (1) 2
Video Presentation: