Taken from the Minutes and Newsletters of the SLCA 1958-2026

• Compiled by Joanne Burghardt, SLCA President 2026

  The newsletters and meeting minutes of the Steenburg Lake Community Associstion (SLCA) date back to the beginning of the SLCA in 1958. During that time there has been a seesaw between high and low water levels on the lake, dictated largely by precipitation and in some cases beaver dams that impede the outward flow from the lake.

  Some residents prefer a lower level which reveals more beach and minimizes shoreline erosion, others prefer a higher level for optimum boating and swimming.

  Lake water level has become an annual conversation at Steenburg Lake. If you're interested in a look back, this document contains references that have been made to water levels on Steenburg Lake, taken from Steenburg Lake Community Association board meeting Minutes and Newsletters, from 1958 -2026.

  HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT:

  Search a word or phrase to find all references, some examples:

• Low (low water levels)
• High (high water levels)
• Level (all water levels)
• Beaver Creek
• Beaver or Beaver Dam (beaver dams)
• CRVA or Crowe Valley Conservation Authority
• Dam or Log (log dam that controls water exiting the lake at Beaver Creek)
• Flooding
• ·Survey or Poll
• McGeachie
• Historic (water levels)
• Draw down or drawdown (lowering the level in the fall)
• Baffles (Beaver baffles to control water)
• Etc.

If you wish to see the excerpt in context, search the original document on the steenburglake.ca website (ie: Spring 1966 Minutes:

• Minutes: https://steenburglake.ca/Newsletter-Archive
• Newsletters: https://steenburglake.ca/Newsletter-Archive

NOTE: Access to Minutes and Newsletters is restricted to paid members of the SLCA who are logged-in to the website. If you have trouble logging in email membership@steenburglake.ca.

HISTORIC KEY MILESTONES:

• Spring, 1966: Under the control of the Crowe Valley Conservation Area, and on a trial basis, a manually-operated log dam was installed
• March 1972: Limerick Council agreed to take over control of the water level on Steenburg Lake, with tamper-proof dam.
• Fall, 1982: Seasonal monitoring and adjustment of Steenburg Lake water levels were now being carried out by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.
• Spring 1992: Survey of SLCA members found lake levels rank low in areas of concern.
• ·Spring 1996: Survey of SLCA members: What is the optimum water level of the lake? 72% were satisfied with the lake as it is, 23% preferred it to be maintained at a lower level, and 5% would have liked to see it higher.
• Fall 1999: CVCA undertook legal action to have a beaver dam near Hwy 62 removed.
• Spring 2021: SLCA committee formed to look into and work with the CVCA with respect to better monitoring and controlling water levels on our lake. Later disbanded
• ·AGM 2019: SCLA set aside up to $500 to help fund a gauge to monitor water levels on the lake by Crowe Valley Conservation Authority
• August 2022: Water level gauge installed by CVCA at exit point by Crowe Valley culvert.  A lake volunteer regularly reads the gauge and maintains a Lake Level history at steenburglake.ca/waterlevels.
• Spring 2023: CVCA decided against installing the logs that year when beaver dams had already blocked the water from leaving the lake. Stop log manipulation without CVCA consent occurred after staff’s decision. To help prevent these unsanctioned activities, staff removed the stop logs from the on-site storage. 

• HOW THE LOG DAM WORKS:

  The CVCA maintains a set of stop logs at the outflow of Steenburg Lake into Bass Creek north of the beach. From there the water makes its way to Limerick Lake.  The CVCA controls the dam and places ‘logs’ into the dam once the lake level has lowered to roughly the height of the logs which is approx.. 500mm. This occurs sometime between April and June depending on the lake level. CVCA removes the logs in the fall to allow the lake level to drop over the fall in an effort to avoid spring flooding. Some years, when the water level remains above the two-stop log level, the CRVS opts not to put the logs in place. This is due generally to high precipitation or the presence of beaver dams that have impeded the outward flow of water.

  For an excellent description of how the process works see the Fall 2016 Newsletter in this document, subhead “CVCA - Fall Drawdown 2016”– written by the CVCA.

  Between Steenburg Lake and Limerick Lake there are often beaver dams that impede the flow of water. From time to time those dams are removed by the CRVA. Search ‘beaver’ in this document for references to beaver dams.

  EXCERPTS:

  August 1, 1959, Minutes

• Poll indicates as of August 1, 1959, water level desirable to maintain year-round (No indication of that level was)

•  

  Spring 1966 Minutes

• The lake levels come under the Crow Valley Conservation Authority. At the present time, and on a trial basis, a manually operated log dam has been installed and if this type of dam does not prove effective then the Authority will probably build one of another style.

•  

  1971 AGM Minutes

• That the procedures for maintaining acceptable water levels in Steenburg Lake, as endorsed by the Association, be filed with the Member of Parliament of the Provincial Government, the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, and the Township Councils. These were published in the/spring newsletter. The executive has now been directed to press for implementation. (NOTE: Unable to find the reference in the spring 1972 newsletter)

•  

  March 1972 Minutes

• Council also agreed to take over control of the water level on our lake, with tamper-proof dam. This will fulfil the resolution passed at the last Annual Meeting concerning water levels.

•  

  Fall 1982 Newsletter

• Seasonal monitoring and adjustment of Steenburg Lake water levels are now being carried out by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.

•  

  Spring 1984 Newsletter

• DAM CONSTRUCTION: Your executive has written to CVCA for status update on maintenance and water level control.

•  

  Spring 1988 1 Newsletter

  Lake Water levels during 87.......... Meteorologists consider the summer season to encompass the months of May, June, July, and August. So, these are the months that have to be considered for comparative data. Average total summer rainfall in the 1970's as reported by the weather office can be compared to records kept at the lake for subsequent years as follows:

  1970’s 10.4” average

  1981 11.93” plus 7.49” in Sept.

  1982 13.41” plus 5.41” in Sept.

  1983 15.67” plus 2.92” in Sept.

  1984 17.28” plus 2.3” in Sept.

  1985 NA plus 5.8” in Sept., June-July-Aug 11.1”

  1986 23.87” plus 9.65” in Sept.

  1987 9.90” plus 3.55” in Sept. 

  An additional fact as reported by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is that evaporation in the 4 summer months can account for a loss of as much as 36" in water levels. Periods of cloudy conditions naturally reduce this amount. Last season’s water levels were still higher than those experienced in the 1920's under sunnier conditions. Consider a report of an expedition by 5 Americans who voyaged from Bass Lake to Salmon Lake via Bass Creek in 1865. The trip took 3 days and to get enough water to float their dugout canoes they had to dig a ditch from the lake to the creek. Last year the planks at the culverts dried up sections of Bass Creek. When they were removed the creek filled to the lake level and all further flow stopped. This indicates that without additional 'head' from the lake the creek does not act as a drain. This suggests maintaining the planks increases high water levels and are ineffective in low water periods and is not cost effective. Further they restrict the propagating area for bait fish that game fish depend upon for food. Headwater lakes such as this are more at risk from pollutants than those in chain waterways which get more flushing from the greater flow-through. Using an approximate lake volume and very rough measurements of Spring outflow in the creek a guestimate would be that it takes over 30 years for a complete water change. Most water change is by evaporation which tends to concentrate residuals. Here again the planks are no help. Some of the figures used were Surface area 684 acres, Average depth 19.4ft., for a volume of 13,270-acre feet.

  Spring 1990 Newsletter

• Information from the Ministry of Natural Resources Water Levels: Water levels throughout the district appear to be in conjunction with approved operating plans for most lakes. The small accumulation of snow would lead one to believe that a moderate freshet could be expected this spring, however, warm temperatures and heavy rainfall can change the spring freshet flows significantly and unexpectedly.

•  

  July 1991 Newsletter

• Crowe Valley President's Association:  The annual meeting of this group was held on Sunday, June 2nd at the Glen Alda Community Centre. Our association was represented by Ken & Anita Waddell. Kelly Pender, General Manager of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority spoke and answered questions on lake levels. Steenburg Lake is in the Crowe Valley drainage basin and the C.V.C.A. controls the in and out logs on its outlet that controls our lake level. Once the lake level is below the logs it continues to drop based on evaporation ana cottage usage. With little rain during May and June the lake level has continued to drop. April 11 -15 is considered to be peak flooding time and approximately October 15th is the draw down date.

•  

  Fall 1991 Newsletter

• Crowe Valley President's Association The annual meeting of this group was held on Sunday, June 2nd at the Glen Alda Community Centre. Our association was represented by Ken & Anita Waddell. Kelly Pender, General Manager of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority spoke and answered questions on lake levels. Steenburg Lake is in the Crowe Valley drainage basin and the C.V.C.A. controls the in and out logs on its outlet that controls our lake level. Once the lake level is below the logs it continues to drop based on evaporation ana cottage usage. With little rain during May and June the lake level has continued to drop. April 11 -15 is considered to be peak flooding time and approximately October 15th is the draw down date.
• On the other hand, you did not have to allow for rainy days this past summer. The weather was really great, and the outdoor activities were the rule of the day. What is worse than a cottage full of grandchildren with a run of rainy days. I don't even like to think about it......... At the directors meeting over the labour day weekend, it was agreed that a letter to the Crowe Valley Authority was in order, stating the problems that went with what we think was premature lowering of the lake level.

•  

• Spring 1992 survey of owners ranked items in top 4 priorities, lake level ranked low. See newsletter for more info.

•  

  August 1992 Newsletter

• Lake Water Level Attached is a chart published by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority listing all the lake level (Steenburg will be at the same level as St. Ola Lake as that is where the dam is located). The logs as of June 3rd are in place on the outlet and will remain in position for the balance of the summer. As you can see by their forecast the potential for low lake levels this summer is a good possibility. The area has not experience heavy rainfalls during May or June. (NOTE chart does not include Steenburg)

•  

  Fall 1992 Newsletter

• Lake Level: The lake more than regained its normal height during the rains of 1992. The Crowe Valley Authority reported the St. Ola Lake lake level (location of the dam controlling Steenburg Lake) at the end of July at 313.5m (1034.68 ft. above sea level) and 313.625m (1034.96 ft. above sea level) at the end of August. The difference being 3.36" higher at the end of August. This sudden rise late in August was attributed to the tail end of hurricane "Andrew". The authority issued a "Flood Advisory" on Friday, August 28th. The high water coupled with high winds played havoc with many of the buoys and Ken Waddell was kept busy finding and replacing the markers. He did a noble job. In October the authority pulled the two logs from the dam to lower the lake level for winter.

•  

  Winter 1993 Newsletter

• Only about 1" of snow on the ground but the roads are very icy. Lots of standing water and the lake level is very high. As of January 12th, you might say that the area is having an open winter. Those of you with cribs could be facing some problems in the spring.

•  

  Spring 1993 Newsletter

• A lengthy column by Jack McGeachie. See the newsletter https://steenburglake.ca/Newsletter-Archive

•  

  November 1993 Newsletter

• Tom Quinn: I had an opportunity to drop into the Crowe Valley Conservation Office to see the manager, Kelly Pender. Problem we are having is beaver dams on private property. No different in the rest of the Province of Northern Ontario. Problem is financial. The mandate through Limerick Council is that it is the responsibility of the individual landowner. On our lake logs were pulled Oct. 15th. Level has gone down 8". Hoping by time of freeze-up to go down another foot but lake is still very, very high and if it doesn't go down the problem of severe flooding can be expected.

•  

  March 1994 Newsletter

• See the newsletter for a lengthy piece on water levels by Jack McGeachie. https://steenburglake.ca/Newsletter-Archive

•  

  Winter 1995 Newsletter

• If you haven't been up to the lake to see it, you wouldn't believe it. The North Rd. by the beach is almost under water and may be by now. Griff Lloyd reported that there is water into his boat house which has never occurred before. Several dock cribs have been impacted. Crowe Valley reported flood conditions with no ability to control the situation.
•  It would seem that current conditions are above and beyond the beaver dam situation. Damage to docks and boat houses due to the current flood conditions have not yet been assessed so reaction to the situation cannot be evaluated. Please advise Griff Lloyd if you have experienced any damaged due to current lake level conditions. Should present levels continue for the balance of the freeze up, the spring thaw can only exacerbate the condition. To get the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to alter their present control plan is no small effort. A letter was written to them in February 1994 concerning lake levels and they responded with an offer to meet with the association to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution. That meeting has not yet been called as a consensus of lake residents must be reached first. It will be on the agenda for our annual meeting The following chart depicts the process to alter the control plan of a given water body: (See document at steenburglake.ca)

• Majority of Property Owners Agree Affected Townships Agree Ministry of Natural Resources Agree (impact on fish and wildlife habitat) Ministry of Environment Agree Crowe Valley Conservation Authority (examine the effects on property owners, flood implications and downstream effects) Implementation Physical changes to dam and/or changes to the Dam Operations Manual

  Note: 1. Approval must be received at each step. 2. Associated costs will be the responsibility of the proponent agency 3. At the request of any of the above agencies, further consultation and study may be required. 4. The above is intended as a guide only. Every request will be handled on its individual merit. expect circumstances to vary.

  Spring 1995 Newsletter

• Water level - I have been trying to get some answers on water level control. Reeve Wilson is going in with me to view the abandoned beaver dam between Steenburg Lake and route 62. There is also a blockage east of route 62 which is accessible to remove but we are trying to find out who is responsible. Crowe Valley feels that they, the Limerick Township and the association should work together on this, but the Crowe Valley Water Authority has not been much help to this point. Keep watch on the bulletin board at Trudy’s for the date for our Loosestrife clean up.

•  

  Summer 1995 Newsletter

• Now Let's Talk About Steenburg Lake The habitat issue strikes home. Two years ago, the lake was quite low, a number of new rock markers were put out because rocks appeared where there wasn't any before. Boat props were an issue. Even at that level of the lake, it was still higher than Steenburg's normal level before the logs were put in place. The increased lake level has severely impacted the littoral area of the lake, an area that provides for specie propagation and nourishment in the hatching of frogs, crayfish, various types of nymphs, in other words habitat destruction. Many such areas are now under several feet of water and are no longer the prolific areas that they were. Our former neighbour Jack McGeachie has long been a proponent of a lower lake level and limiting the size of outboard engines used on the lake. He was very outspoken against the stocking of Splake in Steenburg Lake for the reasons outlined in the article that was reprinted from the Toronto Star. In the fall issue of the newsletter, we will try to get more information on this subject through the Bancroft office of the MNR.

•  

  Fall 1995 Newsletter

• SURVEY: What do you view the optimum water level of Steenburg Lake to be? Higher than presently maintained. Lower than presently maintained. As it presently is maintained.

•  

  Spring 1996 Newsletter survey results

• What is the optimum water level of the lake? The responses it would appear depend entirely where you are on the lake. If we assume that the no responses indicate satisfaction of the status quo, then 72% are satisfied with the lake as it is, 23% prefer it to be maintained at a lower level, and 5% would like to see it higher. This response would make it unfeasible to request the Crow Valley Water Authority to modify their current practices relative to Steenburg Lake. It is difficult to share all the comments that were included on the survey forms in the newsletter, but they will be shared with the Executive at the June meeting. Thank you to all who took the time to respond to the survey. This survey is terminated but we continue to look for updated information about your waste disposal systems. That effort will be carried on through the canvassers. Again, thank you.

•  

  Fall/Winter 1997 Newsletter

• Water Levels Some time ago the writer sent a letter to the MTO complaining of our lake water level. The usual "pass the buck" letter was received, which said nothing. However, pressure from various groups has enabled us to receive a more recent response indicating that the MTO intend to remove the beaver dam along #62 highway at Steenburg Creek. The dam is on the highway property adjacent to the Potter property. A meeting is being held October 22 by all concerned organizations to discuss and prepare for the removal of this dam

•  

  Spring Summer 1998 Newsletter

• The water level has been extremely high throughout the spring. Hopefully this is an early season phenomenon which will disappear by summer. Your association continues to be concerned about a beaver dam near Highway 62 which seems to be impeding water outflow and keeping the lake level higher than is desirable. To date our efforts, as well as those of Limerick Council, have not produced a satisfactory solution to the problem.

•  

  Fall-Winter 1998 Newsletter

• Column by Tom Little, SLCA President:   From time to time, we are asked about the level of the water around the lake, how that level is controlled and why. I am not sure I understand all the fine points, but my understanding is as follows: Our lake flows into Limerick which flows into Beaver Creek which flows into the Crowe River and so on until the water reaches Lake Ontario. Limerick Township owns the logs which are used to control the outflow from Steenburg Lake into Steenburg Creek then on to Limerick Lake. A number of years ago it asked the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to take responsibility for controlling water levels by putting the logs in during the spring period and taking them out in the fall. So, Crowe Valley puts the logs in once the lake has lowered to roughly the height of the logs [sometime between April and June] and takes them out just after Thanksgiving. Crowe Valley believes the lake should be 12" - 18" lower in the late fall and winter than in the summer for two reasons - first, to reduce the risk of flooding during runoff in the spring, and second, to reduce the damage caused by the ice, especially during break-up. Crowe Valley does not touch the logs between spring and fall. All of this brings me to my next point. Your association is happy with the current summer levels. Of course, some of us would like the water a little higher, others a little lower, but we think Crowe Valley does a good job of finding a middle ground. We also support Crowe Valley's desire to see the lake lower in the fall, a goal which seems more elusive, and which gets us into a more contentious issue. Our lake empties into Limerick Lake through Steenburg Creek. Close to Highway 62 the creek encounters a beaver dam. Both Crowe Valley and your association believe the dam reduces water outflow, leaving the lake higher than it should be in the spring and fall and increasing the chance of flooding and ice damage. The owner of the property adjacent to the dam does not agree and does not want it removed. Hence a stalemate. Which brings me to my final point. Some of you were canvassed in the summer about lake water levels. This survey had nothing to do with your association. Any initiative we pursue on your behalf is clearly identified as being undertaken by SLCA. If you have an opinion about the lake level, feel free to contact myself or other members of the executive.

•  

  Spring-Summer 1999 Newsletter

• Behind the scenes we will continue to put lake issues in front of the politicians, monitor water levels and water quality, promote safety and security, and stay in touch with organizations like Crowe Valley Conservation Authority and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations.

•  

  Fall 1999 Newsletter

• The outlet for Steenburg Lake is located near the McGeachie Conservation Area. It flows in an easterly direction, eventually emptying into Limerick Lake. Over the past several years, there has been concern and conflicting opinions on the level of the lake due to a beaver dam just west of Highway 62 and north of the North Steenburg Lake Road. The impact of this beaver dam is that it creates a backup of the water flowing from Steenburg Lake so that there effectively has been no water flowing from the lake over the summer months. While this has been good in maintaining the water level in the lake, there has not been any flow of water out of the lake. If this situation continues into the fall and up to freeze-up, this will potentially cause a major problem next spring during the spring runoff. The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority with the support of the Steenburg Lake Community Association executive has initiated legal procedures to have the situation corrected before freeze-up this fall. We are continuing to monitor this problem and will keep you posted on any developments.

•  

  April 2000 newsletter

• Spring came early to Ontario, and unless we get lots of rain we are in for a dry summer. This will also mean low lake levels. Be careful on the water, especially as the summer progresses. Our buoys will help you identify some of the danger points on the lake, but exercise caution any time you are out in a boat.

•  

• CVCA column: As reported in the Fall Newsletter, legal proceedings have been initiated by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority concerning the water level for Steenburg Lake. The purpose for this action is to allow the CVCA to monitor the water level of the lake, & to take corrective measures as they deem necessary to correct the water level to the extent possible. Even beaver do not have the right to back up water flow if it threatens to flood roads & damage private property. Mr. Jack McGeachie continues to take an interest in the well-being of Steenburg Lake. Unfortunately, nothing concrete has happened to date from his support, and the efforts of CVCA. Due to the limited snow fall this winter, and the early spring runoff the water level at this time is not creating a problem. There is concern being expressed by a number of people that the water table will be low without more precipitation, and this could result in lake levels being low this summer. Crowe Valley has installed a gauge on our dock to measure water depth. The water level on March 22/00 was the same as it was on October 21/99

•  

  Nov 2000 newsletter

• By Kent Anderson: We are pleased to be able to report that there has finally been success in getting the lake level lowered. Due to continuing efforts of your Executive, as well as help from several cottagers’ co-operation was obtained from some of the involved groups. With the removal of a beaver dam on the east side of Hwy.62, as well as clearing out of the water course through the McGeachie Conservation Area the water level has been reduced to a more acceptable level for this time of year. We will continue to monitor the water level. A letter has been sent to Crowe Valley Conservation Authority from your President. The purpose of this letter was to again express our ongoing concern with the fluctuation of the water level, and to reconfirm our intent to work with Crowe Valley on this subject.

•  

  Spring 2000 Minutes

• Pat & Maria met with Tim Pidduck of the CVCA regarding lake water levels; interested in having the data, current data collection systems are outdated. They are looking for system upgrades based of funding.

•  

  NO Minutes 2001-2006

  April 2001 Newsletter

• s reported last fall the water level was lowered due to the ongoing efforts of a number of people. With the heavy snowfall we have experienced this winter the spring runoff will be a major concern this year.

•  

  May 2002 newsletter

• The water is fairly high now (April 17th), but total moisture fall was quite low for this winter season.

•  

  Spring 2009 newsletter

• Again, this year the water was about as high as it ever gets, since we also had a couple of days of fairly heavy rain just before the snow and ice melt peaked.

•  

  Spring 2010 newsletter

• High Water Levels in 2009. Don’t panic, we are not sinking. The high-water levels this year were the result of significant precipitation and drainage restrictions on Bass Creek. The stop logs were not put in at all this year, but we still experienced significantly higher than normal water levels. The Beavers seem to be the cause of the outflow restrictions. When the water depth becomes a problem for those with lower-level properties, you should contact the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to notify them of your concerns.

•  

   AGM 2011 Minutes

• Water levels are low but are actually closer to normal -beaver dams seem to have broken which affects our lake level.

• 
  

  Spring 2012 newsletter

• Combined with very dry hot weather in March and minimal snowfall this past winter, we have below summer normal water levels in April. It was actually below normal late August “stop log controlled) levels Easter weekend.
• I gage the Water level by the “third rock” in front of Sandra Langman’s log cabin, which has been below the surface for years. On Easter weekend, that rock was just poking above the surface of the water. The longer ice-free season might also result in a higher water temperature this summer, and depending on the rain, lower than normal water levels. Therefore, watch the rocks in the shallows this season when you are boating.

•  

  Spring 2013 Minutes

• Stop logs are all in at the dam on Bass Creek leading north to Limerick Lake, and water is still spilling over. This is normal for this time of year, and we should expect water levels to drop another 4”.

•  

  Fall 2013 Minutes

• Water levels are high; logs were put in on time this year

•  

  AGM 2013 Minutes

• ·Limerick now has funding to rebuild the bridge on North Steenburg Lake Road near Mowat Lane, work is expected to take place in 2014 between July 15 and Labour Day, when school buses are not running -water levels and method of control in the creek will not change when the work is done
• water levels are now close to normal because a beaver dam has been removed

•  

  AGM 2014 Minutes

• Gord Schad pointed out that Bass Creek flows through the McGeachie property and that in recent years, the CVCA have been slow to respond to rising water levels on the lake brought on by the repeated formation of beaver dams. Who would be responsible for removing such beaver dams in the future if the HPELT were to take ownership and control of the land? Start Murray stated that the HPELT and its volunteers would be willing to address such events as they occurred and were required. Dave Golem added that the CVCA would still have the mandate and responsibility to ensure that water levels within the watershed were controlled, even if a beaver dam occurred on privately owned land.

•  

  Spring 2015 Minutes

• Water levels are very low for spring; Crowe Valley did not put the logs in as early as some people wished

•  

  Fall 2016 Minutes

• A member has raised a concern that water levels appear to be higher than historical levels -contact with Tim Piddick is suggested to see what the policy is on how they manage lake levels. Lake is high, is there the possibility of a beaver dam blocking the flow out of the lake. Action: Pat to contact Tim to determine what the policy for lake levels is

•  

  Spring 2016 Newsletter

• The winter has come and gone, and I am sure all of us have started to look forward to the summer months. Unlike last spring, the pesky beavers did not block any water outflow from the lake this year and the water levels appear to be about normal.

•  

  Fall 2016 Newsletter

• While much of the province suffered from low water levels and near drought conditions which resulted in all-out fire bans for much of the summer, we were fortunate to experience only a short fire ban late in the summer.

•  

• CVCA column - Fall Drawdown 2016

• Fall weather means cooler temperatures, shorter days, autumn colour and of course, fall draw down of lake levels on controlled lakes in the Crowe Valley watershed! So, the fall draw down or the intentional lowering of lake levels is a watershed management tool the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority uses to mitigate the effects of another normal cyclical event, the spring flood. But how does this work, how much is the lake affected, how much is the lake lowered, and the list of questions keeps growing. First and foremost, the fall draw down has been a “regular” fall event since the construction of many of the dams on the Crowe River, lakes and its tributaries. Every year, staff reduce lake levels by opening sluiceways by simply removing the stop logs which were in place to maintain higher summer recreational levels. It is the lowering of the water on these lakes which creates storage capacity (extra space) for the spring freshet (runoff). This extra capacity helps the CVCA to mitigate any potential flooding resulting from the freshet. Typically, the lowering of the lakes averages approximately 35 – 40 centimetres (14 to 16 inches), depending on the lake and the dam’s discharge capacity. This water management strategy is a normal practice by the CVCA to help protect lives and property during the spring freshet. Of course, the magnitude of a flood in the spring will vary from a minimal flood where very little property is affected or damaged to a 1:100-year flood (or even worse). Since we never know what the extent of the flood will be in the spring, we draw down lake levels every year to be prepared. The CVCA begins the fall draw down cycle relatively early in the autumn season for one specific reason, which is to respect the natural cycle of certain fish species in the northern part of the watershed. Managing lake levels to help protect people and their personal belongings during floods is vital, but the CVCA has an obligation to work with nature’s cycles and rhythms to reduce or eliminate any impacts from the actions CVCA takes as it implements the watershed management strategy.

  So, for example, the CVCA starts the draw down on Paudash Lake to accommodate lake trout. This particular species will spawn generally on rocky reefs or shoals in the fall. If the water was left at the summer level during the spawn, then, as the water is lowered, it would leave the spawn “high and dry”, killing the eggs. Therefore, the CVCA begins lowering Paudash Lake early in September and finishes the draw down to the winter level by the 30th of September. The remainder of the draw down follows a progression of lowering lake levels from north to south in the watershed during the period from 1 October to 15 November. In total, the CVCA removes stop logs at the dams located on Paudash, Wollaston, St. Ola, Steenburg, Kasshabog, Oak, Round, Cordova, Belmont, and Crowe Lakes. The draw down is targeted to be completed by the November date in order to ensure lakes are at their winter setting before the winter freeze. Of course, the CVCA’s target could easily be “thrown a curve” if heavy rains arrive late in the autumn. This would add a significant amount of water into the watershed system making it difficult to reduce lake levels. However, should this possibility occur, the CVCA will take the necessary steps (remove more stop logs) to reduce lake levels to the winter setting, which means it may take just a little longer to get to the right levels. Although the CVCA watershed has experienced low water conditions, particularly on the North River system this past recreational season, the draw down will proceed as normal in order to ensure the extra capacity is attained for the spring runoff. The watershed has experienced a number of dry years, and every spring the freshet has been high enough to swell lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, and every spring the CVCA removes more stop logs to pass excess water downstream. As the CVCA manages the water system in the fall, you can also help yourselves to minimize any spring damage. Please remove your docks (if possible) and any other items out of the flood plain as you close down the cottage or prepare your home for the winter. Water is a powerful force and can easily damage property or sweep items both large and small downstream when flows are high. Flooding causes more damage and the resulting expenses associated with flooding are higher than any other disaster in Ontario. If you have experienced flooding issues in the past or think you are susceptible to flooding, please contact the CVCA or follow us on Facebook or our website. If you have any further questions regarding this aspect of water management in the Crowe Valley watershed, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail Neil McConkey, CVCA Water Technician. He’s had 25+ years of experience managing your watershed 

  AGM 2016 Minutes

• Water levels are low, but the logs are still in, so it is a matter that there is less water this year supplying the lake. More rain would help to raise the water level, but with the expected hot weather still to come, it is likely to drop more. Everyone should be aware of rocks below the surface

•  

  Spring 2017 Minutes

• Water levels are high, and erosion is a problem. The clearing of beaver dams in ongoing.

•  

  Spring 2017 Newsletter

• Lake Water Level: A Controversial Subject

• Column by Dave Langman

  The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA) maintains a set of stop logs at the outflow of Steenburg Lake at Bass Creek. These logs have the effect of raising the water level in the lake. Assuming these logs are 8”x8” squared timbers, two timbers would raise the water level up to 14”, and three logs would raise the water level up to 21” maximum. It could also be said that the logs don’t do anything because the beavers have backed up Bass Creek such that the creek is at the spring high water mark. This depends on the year and beaver activity, which was pretty significant last year (2016). Some of our members would prefer a higher water level, while others would enjoy a lower more natural level. There are benefits to both high and low water levels. This article is a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of both a higher and lower water level. The image provided shows a random exposed rock on the south facing side of Birch Island around 1967. That rock has rarely been exposed in the past decade or so. Therefore, it can be said that “modern” water levels are about 8” - 12” higher than more natural water levels. 

  Pro - High Water Level

• Today’s boats are big. They are fast. They have a lot of draft. Cottages with docks in shallow areas would benefit from a little more water depth on their shore. Shorter less expensive docks are required to moor boats.
• Boaters that are not as familiar with the rocks on the lake would also benefit from more depth as it reduces the risk of a rock strike and high dollar repairs to their lower units.
• Shallower shorelines might not be so great for swimming. NO one wants to scrape a knee or bang a toe when crawling back and forth at a safe (close) distance to shore.

•  

  Pro - Low Water Level

• Raising the water level wiped out my natural beach, even if it was only a few square feet. My kids loved that beach. It is now about 4” under water. I sure would like to see the water drop so I could have my beach back. I bet there are lots of other members who would like to see their beaches back too! Can you say, “Grand Child Catcher”?
• Shore Line Erosion has become a serious problem. Crab Island was half washed away a few years back. The gap between Birch and Crystal (Bateman’s) Island is now doubled in width. Tree roots are being undercut, and trees are falling into the lake. Larger boats leave large wakes that are crashing directly into the literal zone above the once exposed rubble/rip-rap zone and pulling silt and sand into the lake. This does have an impact on the lake’s ecosystem.
• Higher water levels shorten the distance, particularly in low ground areas along the shore, to septic beds that are loaded with nitrates and phosphates. This likely allows those excellent fertilizers a quicker path to the lake, and the ability to enhance weed growth, lower oxygen levels and impact water quality.

• Raising the water level a foot or so back in the day might have had a significant impact on a once active Lake Trout fishery in our lake. Lake trout require sharp, broken rubble, 1” to 3’ in diameter at a depth of about 18” according to research for a lake our size. That rubble needs to be on the leeward (sheltered) side to protect from prevailing winds. (Reference Article Below) I can think of only a few places where those conditions might exist on Steenburg Lake. They include the east facing side of the lake where water is not too deep and rocky. On the north road - in front of emergency numbers 363, 421, 689 (Hughes’ point), 875 (Butler’s), and on the east sides of Birch, Crystal, Dewey’s and Brook’s Islands. Adding a foot of water probably has submerged those once productive spawning beds and reduced them unusable. Lower water levels would re-expose the once natural riprap. Wave action is broken up onto the natural rip-rap and the shoreline is protected. The rock/water interface makes for an excellent ecosystem for crayfish. When sitting on the docks around the lake and a boater goes by (remember these are not 1000 lb 13’ Crestliners with 40 Johnson’s on them - they are 3000 lb 18’ bowriders), the resulting waves crash into shore, and once the wave action dissipates, there is often a murky sandy mess that takes time to settle out. With a lower water level, those waves would have crashed on the rocks resulting in little or no sediment movement 

  If the water level dropped a foot, I would not have enough water at the end of my dock to leave the motor in a down position. I would have to raise the tilt for parking purposes. This is inconvenient to me. But when I weigh the impact of the high-water level on the shoreline, on erosion, on the impact on spawning beds, and on the silt and muck that is being added to our lake, and on my submerged beach that I could get back I would gladly trade that inconvenience for the lower water level. I wonder where you stand on the subject. Lake Water Level: A Controversial Subject by David Langman Ye'll tak' the high water and I'll tak’ the low water And I'll be at the Lake afore ye but me and my true love will never meet again On the bonny, bonny banks of our Lake!

  AGM 2017 Minutes

• Water is high however levels have been high around the province

•  

  AGM 2019 Minutes

• water levels have been variable this year; there appears to be no consensus on what the level should be
• a suggestion was made that we ask CVCA to write an article on the water levels and flood control for our fall newsletter
• Lake Steward and President SCLA are proposing a meeting with Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to discuss how they determine what the water level should be and how they manipulate that level
• Motion: SCLA set aside up to $500 to help fund a gauge to monitor water levels on the lake by Crowe Valley Conservation Authority after discussion with the authority regarding their suggested requirements

• Spring 2020 newsletter

• With the spring season come seasonal and natural changes to water levels due to snow and ice melt. It is important to remember that ‘preferred’ water levels are a balance between human needs and environmental processes. During our fall 2019 meeting with Tim Pidduck of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA), it was agreed that a consistent water level data collection practice would be beneficial, however, it is difficult to move ahead with this idea due to some constraints. In part, COVID-19 has some limitations as to what can and cannot be done safely at the time being. Further, it would be beneficial to work with the CVCA to implement and monitor such data, however, the CVCA is currently unable to partner with us due to very limited financial resources. This, however, does not stop both us and the CVCA from monitoring significant environmental and/or flooding issues.

•  

• Column by Dave Langman

• In recent decades, water levels have been very high on the lake (compared to pre 1990s levels that is). Newer residents think that current water levels are the “norm” for the lake and a return to previous levels seems shockingly low. Many residents have built new and expensive docks based on the higher water levels. Lowering the water level would leave them “high and dry” and in need of some dock rebuilding and/or rejigging, which could be very costly for some. Lower water levels also increase the risk of hitting submerged rocks and logs. However, many long-term residents (myself included) pine for the good old days where they had a nice beach. Differences in water level wants/needs of various SLCA members residents has sparked a water level debate and was touched on at the August 2019 general meeting. This debate has the chance to create significant animosity between the high vs low water groups with both factions calling the CVCA to complain about the water level. The CVCA is caught in the middle of the debate. The CVCA staff have cleared the dams - often once in the spring, and once in the fall. Before any permanent decision can be made on what is the “best” water level, it is important that we find out if high water is having a significant environmental impact (shore erosion, eutrophication, literal zone wildlife, etc.). We also need to find out what resources exist to put in place a permanent solution for water level fluctuation (controlling beaver activity). We can get answers from experts such as CVCA and MNRF biologists. Once appropriate information has been made available to the SLCA executive, they can then put together a plan of action and bring it to the community for debate and consideration. Bass Creek and Its Importance to Water Levels on Steenburg Lake Bass Creek is the outflow from Steenburg Lake and it empties into Limerick Lake near the Limerick Lake Marina. The water levels in Steenburg Lake depend almost entirely on flow restrictions on Bass Creek. This article is intended to explain why water levels in Steenburg Lake have fluctuated so much in the past few years.

  Bass Creek is an incredible waterway for paddlers and can be likened to being on an Algonquin Park interior stream - total wilderness. The easiest access point to Bass Creek is at the culvert on Highway 62 just north of Trudy’s. It can also be accessed at the outflow of Bass Creek at Steenburg Lake - but the first 30 meters is really tough going. Most of Bass Creek between Steenburg Lake and Highway 62 is pleasure to paddle. There are some snags here and there and a few beaver dams to cross. Lilly pads are quite annoying in summer and absent in the spring. Personally, I spent 50+ years wondering what paddling Bass Creek was like and finally decided to give it a go on May 24th weekend in 2018. I was completely bowled over by what I found and recommend it as an awesome two-hour paddle for all but beginner canoeists with a tough old glass canoe or tin tub. Do hold off on using the high dollar Kevlar, cedar/canvas, or unscratched canoes please. Wear life jackets, and carry a cell phone in a waterproof package, some drinking water (reusable containers please), and rubber boots/dock shoes. The Stop Logs at the entrance to Bass Creek consist of quantity three (3) 4x4 wood posts laid horizontally and held in place by steel guide “posts”. In recent years, there have been three logs in place or 12” of artificial water level control (assuming enough run-off and rainwater to fill the lake). These logs are not a perfect seal and thus some water is able to get between and under the logs. The stop logs are an effective method to slow water flow and preserve water for the dry summer months.

  In 2019, only two logs were put into the dam. Observation of water levels throughout the summer of 2019 saw much of that time with the actual lake level just above the lowest (first) stop log. Thus, the stop logs added about 4” of artificial height to the lake compared to natural/no beaver dam water levels in 2019. There are seven (7) beaver dams located on Bass Creek between Steenburg Lake and Highway 62. The elevation drop from the lake to the highway culvert on Highway 62 is about 12” (30 cm). Three dams provide a significant impediment to water flow and thus can have a lasting seasonal impact on water levels in the lake. These three dams are mud packed and not at all porous. The remaining 4 dams are shallow piles of sticks that might slow the flow of water a bit after a heavy rain but have little lasting impact on lake water level height. Beaver dams of any sort are a challenge to cross via canoe - paddlers will have to get out and push the canoe past those dams then get back in the canoe (bring rubber boots if you plan to paddle the creek). The 3 main beaver dams are located as shown on the map below. Dam 1 is closest to the lake and the remaining two are near the highway. (See the newsletter online for image)

  It has been shown that removal of the beaver dams will result in a rapid drop in water level to whatever level the stop logs have been set. The beavers usually have those dams back in place within a day, but the volume of water moved out of the lake and into Bass creek is enough to drop the water level until the next significant rain. Note: Beaver Dam 1 was not in place during the summer of 2019. Dams two and three were in place during the summer of 2019. In November 2019, with the stop logs removed completely, the water level rose to near springtime levels. This indicates that beavers had been active in dam building - beavers likely rebuilt Dam 1. It can be concluded that stop logs and/or beaver dams control water levels in Steenburg Lake. Removal of the stop logs and beaver dams does lower the lake water level but because beavers are active on the creek, the change in water level is usually only temporary. Regular removal (say every couple of weeks) would result in maintaining a lower water level in the lake. If stop logs are in place, beaver dams can and sometimes do back up the water in the creek such that the stop logs are submerged.
  
  

• AGM 2021 Minutes

• Motion passed at last AGM to support Crowe Valley Conservation Authority with up to $500 towards a level monitoring system
• CVCA looking to upgrade their system, new system might include Steenburg Lake
• ·Water levels fluctuate significantly, with large impact
• Question on the high level of weeds in the water this year
•  Most likely due to fluctuating water levels this year, Maria will follow up with FOCA

•  
  

• Fall 2021 Minutes

• Forming a committee to look into and work with the Crowe Valley CA with respect to better monitoring and controlling water levels on our lake.
• CVCA has a difficult time managing lake water level, concern over capacity of culvert running under hwy 62
• CVCA looking to modernize lake water lake level equipment, currently don’t monitor Steenburg, would need to buy new equipment to do so
• Looking to establish some scientific data that is measurable, instead of “anecdotal” comments on lake levels
• Motion to form a committee.....(4 members).....makes ¾ members having been lake stewards. Passed.
• 
  

Spring 2022 Minutes

• Water level committee......has been somewhat contentious, leaving Maria to feel as if she is refereeing between differing opinions of the committee members.
• The purpose of the committee is not to determine what the correct water level should be, but to connect with Crowe Valley and have deeper conversations regarding concerns of the membership
• Committee wanted to install beaver baffles; however, Crowe Valley was not comfortable moving in this direction
• ·Meeting with Tim and Neil at Crowe Valley, promised a water level gauge and install during the spring, however, there has been no follow up to date
• ·Maria noted a lot of frustration between members and competing priorities

•  

  AGM 2022 Minutes

• ·Water Level Committee:
• Created in fall of 2021 with the purpose of working with CVCA to gather water level data and understand how water levels are controlled
• Staff gauge was installed in August at exit point by Crowe Valley culvert
• Long-term goal is to better understand and manage water levels while reducing fluctuations, erosion of shoreline, exposing hazards, protecting loon nesting
• Committee will take a break, SLCA executive will review results and consider next steps

• Fall 2022 Minutes

• According to Crowe Valley, the water levels on our lake are dictated by the beaver activity. Suzanne reached out to the committee members to gauge their interest in continuing under a new Lake Steward; (three) are continuing, while (one) is not going to continue (however will remain available). Individuals on the committee are passionate and seem to be going forward on their own and not as SLCA representatives. Suzanne talked to Neil at Crowe Valley, who is strongly opposed to a beaver baffle system, and doesn’t feel it would work. With that, we did not get permission to install one, and the SLCA has no authority to make the decision to supersede the CVCA. The formation of the committee was to work with CVCA, with the understanding that the lake levels are consistently inconsistent. As the community had a disastrous year weather-wise, there was an urgency behind its creation. Moving forward, the prevailing thought is to get the Lake Steward, committee members, and CVCA into a meeting to discuss the proper way forward. The CVCA’s action strategy appears to be inaction until complaints are received, and we should be viewing them as a service provider.

•  

  November 2022 newsletter

• Water Level Committee: Due to the growing conversations of water levels in our community, we have started a subcommittee of the SLCA consisting of Gord Schad, Rick Burke, Ken Deboo, and Dave Langman. The purpose of this committee is not to decide what the right water level is, but to work the CVCA to gather data on water levels. Our current action is installing a water level gauge provided by the CVCA to have factual historical evidence that both SLCA members and the CVCA can agree upon.

•  

  Spring 2023 Minutes

• ·      Water Level Committee needs to meet to discuss further, water level was high, but has gone down over the past weeks

•  

  Spring 2023 Newsletter

• ·      Water Level Committee A Water Level Subcommittee was created in Fall 2021 with the purpose of working with the CVCA to gather data on water levels. This was achieved by the CVCA installing a staff gauge mid -August. I would like to thank the committee for their time, support, and persistence in achieving a gauge that both the CVCA and SLCA can use to track data. Although this does not solve the debate of the ‘right’ water level, I believe it is a step in the right direction to helping the CVCA in making informed decisions.

•  

  Fall 2023 Minutes

• ·Collection and preservation of old lake data records for Anthony to add to website (will require asking Maria for old records and reports).
• CVCA lake level gauge has allowed for regular readings at dam location
• lake committee has asked SLCA for permission to ask CVCA for permission to install a test beaver baffle
• ·Anthony forwarded a recent email to all Board members regarding the lake level topic & beaver baffles between TC Councillor, Brent Taylor & CVCA Water Technician, Neil McConkey
• Action Suzanne: to approach CVCA asking for:
• a CVCA role description of its lake level management that can be printed in the newsletter to educate SLCA members.
• ask CVCA for a meeting to discuss the possibility of a test beaver baffle. Suggested that both Suzanne and Lake Committee rep. David Langman be in attendance to discuss his proposal.

• 
  Fall 2023 Newsletter

• Column by Tim Pidduck, CVCA

• The CVCA manages water in our watershed with a network of water control structures (dams) located on most of the major lakes. Steenburg Lake dam is part of this network even though it was not included in an engineered study to establish summer and winter lake elevations. However, the dam at Steenburg Lake has been operated by the CVCA with the installation of the culvert on Steenburg Lake North Road. Water level discussions between Steenburg Lake property owners have been ongoing since the installation of the culvert and seems to have intensified at various times with heightened interest in the past number of years. The CVCA has often been included in these discussions. This type of ongoing debate is not unusual for any lake with a dam. Simply stated, many want the summer recreational level high, and many would like a lower elevation. The lake elevation this summer has been on average within two inches of what has always been considered summer level, which is 314.5m. After the spring runoff, CVCA staff install the two stop logs for the summer. The summer level is when the water is at the top of the second log. In the fall, usually around the middle of October, the stop logs are removed to lower the lake level in preparation for the following year’s spring runoff. CVCA staff made the determination not to install the two logs this spring since beaver activity had already stopped the water from flowing. Regrettably, stop log manipulation without CVCA consent occurred after staff’s decision. This tampering is considered an act of mischief and is a serious chargeable offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. To help prevent these unsanctioned activities, staff removed the stop logs from the site. The other half of the story is beavers naturally play a significant role in water levels. CVCA staff manage beaver influence by breaking their dams every fall to lower the lake level to create storage room for the spring melt. Last year, seven dams were broken between the lake and Highway #62 multiple times. with the final breakage occurring when the creek is freezing over. Staff returned frequently, with the final breakage occurring when the creek is freezing over to ensure adequate flow and eventually outlast the beaver’s rebuilding efforts. The Steenburg Lake Community Association created a water management committee and has engaged with the CVCA. Some of the committee members have conveyed to CVCA staff that beaver baffles will resolve all the water issues on the lake. On the surface, it appears this would satisfy both sides of the high/low water equation. However, the dynamics of Steenburg Lake, Bass Creek and beaver activity is more complicated than meets the eye. That being said, ongoing dialogue and sharing of information is welcomed by the CVCA in an effort to arrive at a resolution for the benefit of the lake environment and the residents on the lake. In the meantime, the CVCA water management of Steenburg Lake will rely on controlling beaver activity when appropriate and operation of the dam based on 30+ years of staff experience.

  October 2025 Minutes

• Milfoil went crazy with the lower water levels

• Fall 2025 Newsletter

• From column by Amanda Donald, CVCA.

• As we all know, the CVCA watershed experienced a very hot and dry summer. CVCA received many calls regarding low water levels over the summer and on August 8, 2025, the Low Water Response Team (LWRT) declared a level 1 low water condition requesting a 10% voluntary reduction in water usage. On September 8, 2025, the LWRT met to discuss and re-evaluated the precipitation and flow data. The data indicated conditions favourable for a level 3 low water condition throughout the entire watershed. The LWRT declared a level 3 low water condition and requested residents to voluntarily restrict water usage by 30%. When a level 3 is declared it gives municipalities the option to implement by-laws to make water restrictions mandatory. Unfortunately, without rain, there is little CVCA can do to improve lake levels throughout the watershed. In a typical year, once the spring water levels have receded to 3 to 4 inches above summer level for Steenburg Lake, CVCA staff replace the logs into the dam at the culvert. Depending on the water level, the CVCA usually begins the fall drawdown process at the Steenburg Lake culvert/dam mid-October to reduce the lake level to make room for the anticipated snowmelt the following spring.

   

• 2025 will be remembered for its water level

Column by Joanne Burghardt SLCA President

When Steenburg Lake's water level dropped during the summer of 2025, you either liked it -- or you didn’t.

Aided by high temperatures and a lack of rain, the lake dropped 835mm (33.18 in) from 1055mm on April 6 to 212 mm on Oct. 4, 2025 (as measured at the log dam north of the beach on Steenburg Lake North Road). 

In Steenburg Lake, stop logs are used as part of a water control structure to manage water levels where water exits the lake on its way to Limerick Lake. Managed by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, these logs are manually placed or removed to adjust the water level.

CVCA has set two stop logs as the benchmark of 500 mm for Steenburg Lake: 11.3 inches higher than the lake level stood on Oct. 4, 2025. 

A LOOK BACK….”At the present time, and on a trial basis, a manually operated log dam has been installed and if this type of dam does not prove effective then the Authority (CVCA) will probably build one of another style.” SLCA newsletter May 1966.

According to Ontario government websites, water levels dropped in 2025 primarily due to dry water supply conditions, with less-than-average precipitation and runoff, leading to reduced inflows from other water sources. This was exacerbated by high rates of evaporation during the hot summer months, and a continued upstream deficit from previous dry periods. 

Over the last century, the Steenburg Lake water level has fluctuated from time to time. From what some call the ‘normal’ lows of the first half of the 20th Century to the ‘highs’ that have been documented since the mid-1990s. 

Some property owners celebrated the 2025 drop in the water line as a return to levels of the 1960s and before; as good news for nesting Loons; and for shorelines often battered by waves generated by boat wakes.

But not everyone was happy. While property owners suddenly had beaches, previously unseen rocks appeared above the surface and docks stood far above the water line - like Herons perched on stick-like legs. In some cases, boat hulls and pontoons rested on the lake bottom. Unsuspecting boaters saw propellers damaged. Weeds, like the invasive Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM), thrived and created green masses as they soaked up the sun.

Historically, what have water levels been?

I reached out to Amanda Donald, Acting General Manager of the CVCA, to request historical water level data and was told the CVCA does not have that data. Luckily, SLCA member Dave Langman - and previously Rick Burke - has tracked the data in recent years. See the chart at steenburglake.ca/waterlevels.

For those of us who are not generational owners of our properties, this is the lowest we have seen the water. Frank and I purchased our cottage 11 years ago, and we have photos going back to 1989 when the water was much higher. Like many, we had lots of beach this year, but our jet ski dock was only a couple inches from the lake bottom, and the Eurasian Water-Milfoil went crazy in the southeast corner of East Bay as it soaked up all that sunshine previously filtered by water. By October there were mats of Milfoil floating on the surface.

Dave Langman’s family has been on the lake for more than a century. Dave describes the 2025 water level as a return to historic levels and fondly remembers a time when his family had a beach where the kids played.   

So, what about next year?

Typically, as fall proceeds and colder air moves in over warm lakes, evaporation increases. And with drier than normal weather forecast for this fall, it’s expected water levels will continue to decline into winter, but at an accelerated pace.

If you believe the Farmer’s Almanac, southeastern Ontario may experience below-normal temperatures and precipitation this winter. Who knows how accurate that is, or how melting snow will affect Steenburg Lake in the spring.

CVCA usually removes the stop logs from the culvert/dam on the north road in the fall to make room for the anticipated spring snowmelt.  They confirmed Oct. 9 that the logs will be removed for the winter to preserve them from the weather: the water is already below the logs.

In her column in the Fall 2025 SLCA Shoreline News newsletter, Amanda Donald of the CVCA, says, “ …there is little CVCA can do to improve lake levels throughout the watershed. In a typical year, once the spring water levels have receded to 3 to 4 inches above summer level for Steenburg Lake, CVCA staff replace the logs into the dam at the culvert.”

Amanda’s comment suggests if the water level increases in the spring, the stop logs would be put in place in an attempt to maintain the lake level at the log dam at 500mm.