PRRD pursues answers about future of Inga Lake

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board of directors has voted unanimously to seek insight into the future of Inga Lake with the province. 

During the February 26th regular meeting, the directors approved a recommendation originally drafted by Electoral Area C director Brad Sperling to send a letter to three provincial ministries: the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the Ministry of Environment and Parks, and the Ministry of Forests.

The letter would “seek clarity” on funding, timelines and “next steps” for Inga Lake. 

According to Sperling’s recommendation, discussions between the board and the province have confirmed upgrades to the dam and related infrastructure are required to keep the lake functional, and funding from multiple ministries may be involved. 

In January, Ducks Unlimited and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship brought concerns before the PRRD about the future of the northeast B.C. lake due to structural integrity issues related to its dam.

The presentation stated there were two primary options at the ministry’s disposal: a complete decommissioning of the site or extensive repairs, which could cost the province up to $1.5 million. 

The body of water has been called the “most popular recreation site in the North Peace region,” and news of its possible demise sparked public support and a petition calling for the dam to be repaired rather than decommissioned. 

As the recommendation during the February 26th meeting was approved unanimously, staff will now work to write and submit the letter to the ministries, and any response received will be included in a future PRRD meeting agenda.