Rural Municipality of Prairie Lakes holds Aquatic Invasive Species forum
The RM of Prairie Lakes hosted an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) forum at the Ninette Hall (Hall) on February 15th.
The Hall was filled to capacity, with many attendees standing at the back of the room, very soon after the doors opened.
This meeting was called by the RM of Prairie Lakes to share information about the Aquatic Invasive Species program that was rolled out for 2025.
RM of Prairie Lakes Reeve Darren Seymour opened the forum with the following:
“This meeting is about transparency,” and that is exactly what was done as he showcased the information package that was distributed to all attendees.
It started with 2025 in Review.
It showed that in April and May, the infrastructure installation continued with launch site barriers being installed as well as the building and main gate being placed on site at the Ninette Boat Launch.
During that time, the necessary staff positions were advertised and filled, with the newly hired municipal watercraft inspector being trained by Manitoba Aquatic Invasive Species Unit staff. With the inspector training completed, the Ninette boat inspection site was operated form 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week, with inspections being done at that time, at no charge.
Boat decal sales were also started, with volunteers selling the decals at four locations along Pelican Lake on three May weekends. In addition, decals were made available for sale at the Municipal office in Belmont all season long.
Between the months of June and November, watercraft inspections were continued and fees for said inspections were implemented. At this time the boat exit tag process was also implemented.
A breakdown of the number of inspections done per month was also shared.
June – Passed – 118, Denied 2; July – Passed – 117, Denied – 14; August – Passed – 81, Denied – 14; September – Passed – 58, Denied- 2; October – Passed – 11 – Denied – 1. Totals – Passed – 385, Denied – 33.
A question was put forth by an audience member asking if the municipality currently had a list of reasons why watercraft were denied entry on to the lake. It was noted that they had not yet compiled a list, but would look into how that could be shared.
The actual expenses were:
2024: Barriers Materials $9,898.53.
2025: Capitol Items (Building, gate, etc) $24,909.61; Wages (Inspection Team) $104,265.42; Advertising $702.00; Supplies (locks, decals, etc.) $11,584.57; Building Maintenance $1,458.51; Equipment Repair & Maintenance $234.93; Utilities $1,835.17. Total Expenses $154,888.74.
Notes to Expenses
The Municipality acknowledges the tremendous support and dedication of volunteers and administrative staff involved in this initiative.
To the end of May 2025, Volunteers had contributed 575 hours of their time and had donated 189 hours of vehicle, tool, and equipment use.
Program Revenue: Decals $70,937.00; Exit Tags $2,849.38; Inspections $13,853.63. Total Program Revenue – $87,640.01. Total Expenses – $154,888.74. Total – ($67,248.73) Manitoba AIS Partnership Grant $120,278.35. Surplus $53,029.62
Plans for the 2026 Program
The program will continue for the 2026 boating season, with watercraft inspections beginning in May, and 2025 Exit Tags that have not been tampered with will be honoured. There will be some of the busier barrier structures being changed from chains to gates.
As of February 15, 2026, it has been decided to maintain the current fee structure. The Municipality will also be applying for the Manitoba AIS Prartnership grant again for the 2026 season. It has been announced that the maximum dollar amount available for the 2026 season has been capped at $75,000.00.
Annual boat decal sales will resume in April, 2026, with the Municipality encouraging all eligible boat owners to participate in the annual Boat Decal Program. This year it is anticipated that there will be a significantly lower revenue from non-motorized boat decal sales.
Going forward, Council is considering the feasibility of constructing and operating a Municipal AIS Decontamination Station. As well, conversations are continuing with the provinces AIS Unit.
