First Nations Open Echo Lake Dam

First Nations Open Echo Lake Dam

Friday, July 20, 2007 at 13:46

Two southern Saskatchewan First Nations are offering an olive branch in a longstanding dispute with cottage owners on Echo Lake.

The Muskowpetung and Pasqua bands say operation of the Echol Lake Water Control Structure resumed yesterday — and water levels on the lake should return to their normal summer levels by next week.

Cabin owners have complained about the reduced water levels on the lake.

The First Nations say they have taken this step as a show of good faith as negotiations with the province and Ottawa continue.

The bands say the dam’s construction in 1942 has repeatedly caused flooding on their reserves.

Their chiefs say good progress is being made on the development of a co-management agreement.