Low River Levels Jeopardizing Business - Runciman
(Brockville) - Record low water levels in the St. Lawrence River this year have jeopardized recreational boating and tourism businesses, according to Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
Runciman’s office has been receiving complaints about water levels described as “the lowest in 80 years” and the apparent lack of concern by the agency responsible for controlling levels, The International Joint Commission (IJC)
“Regrettably, the IJC. only takes the needs of shipping, hydropower and the Port of Montreal into consideration when determining levels” said Runciman. “They are not giving consideration to tourism, businesses that depend on tourism and recreational boating.”
“People along the river – municipalities, businesses, individuals, have to help make this a bigger issue” said Runciman. “We need recreational boating and tourism to be important considerations when water level decisions are taken.”
The IJC is slated to release a new water level management plan in the next few weeks and the local MPP is encouraging people to contact the agency.
