INCREASE OUTFLOW OF LAKE ONTARIO WILL INCREASE CURRENTS ON ST. LAWRENCE

The International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board agreed on Monday, June 12, 2017 to increase outflows to 10,400 m3/s (367,300 cfs) starting on Wednesday, June 14 2017, in order to increase the rate of decline in Lake Ontario levels slightly and provide additional relief to Lake Ontario riparians.

This will be the highest Lake Ontario outflow that has ever been released on a sustained basis. The higher outflows will initially be tested for a 72 hour period to allow the Board and stakeholders to monitor any effects it may have. Notably, the higher flows will increase currents in the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence Seaway has advised the Board that significant, additional mitigation measures will be deployed to maintain safety of navigation during these higher flows. Recreational boaters in the St. Lawrence River should also continue to be cautious of the extreme conditions. This action will not have any significant effect on St. Lawrence River levels near Montreal as declining Ottawa River flows are expected to continue, and this will offset the effects of the increased Lake Ontario outflow.