In December 1998, the Liaison Committee wrote to the Premier, reminding him of all the work the community had done, and asking for a commitment to provide funding for the lake clean-up. The Committee also wrote to the leaders of the Conservative and New Democratic parties. The Minister of Transportation and Public Works announces funding to begin actual lake clean-up. Research suggests that a person would have to eat a steady diet of contaminated fish year-round to be at risk, but the Department is recommending a precautionary approach. Swimming and Boating The Department of Environment restricts swimming and boating in North Bay only, in order to avoid stirring up the contaminated sediments.
Residents can swim and boat safely and legally in the rest of Five Island Lake and elsewhere.
Five Island Lake is one of nineteen connected lakes, including Upper and Lower Sheldrake Lakes, Frederick Lake, Hubley Big Lake, and Albert Bridge Lake, which flow southwest into the Woodens River and finally into St. Margaret's Bay at Woodens Cove in Seabright. We fully support the work of the Community Liaison Committee toward remediation of the PCB contamination in Five Island Lake and applaud the progress made to date. The PCB problem is, however, only one of many important issues that concern the quality of the local environment. The phosphorus loading of the lakes due to increased development, the impact of local forestry practices, and the preservation of crown land for public recreation are other vital issues that we need to address together. Plans for this year include trail development and wreck clearing, work to improve fish habitat, pheasant release program, and water quality monitoring to improve our database.