Quebec Drought: Racing to Remove Boats from St. Lawrence River

Boat owners in Beauharnois, located on the South Shore of Montreal, are urged to act swiftly to remove their vessels from the St. Lawrence River. Failure to do so by Saturday could lead to boats being stranded in mud during the winter months.
Urgent Boat Removal from the St. Lawrence River
On Saturday, November 4th, the local nautical center will restrict access for smaller boat owners. It will be closed from 8 AM to 3 PM, allowing larger boaters to retrieve their watercraft before conditions worsen.
Water Level Increase
Since Friday morning, the water level of the St. Lawrence River has risen approximately two to three inches. This increase is akin to discharging an Olympic-sized swimming pool every two seconds, following the opening of the Moses-Saunders Dam in Cornwall, Ontario.
Response to Drought Conditions
The International Joint Commission has opened the dam’s sluices to combat the drought impacting the St. Lawrence River, particularly around Lake Saint-Louis. This action is a rare measure, not implemented since 2012.
Key Details:
- Location: Beauharnois, South Shore of Montreal
- Action Required: Boat removal by Saturday
- Nautical Center Hours: Closed for small boats from 8 AM to 3 PM
- Water Level Increase: 2-3 inches noted
- Dam Status: Moses-Saunders Dam opened, last similar action in 2012
Boat owners are encouraged to take immediate action to protect their investments and ensure safe retrieval of their vessels before the winter months.