After 105 Days without Ferry Service, Manitoba Hydro Raises Water Level of Split Lake: York Factory asks Transport Minister to Restore Ferry Service

Oct 28, 2025

Territory No. 5 Territory, York Landing, Manitoba – One hundred and five days after the cancellation of the ferry service and “lifeline” to York Landing on July 16, 2025 that was caused by Manitoba Hydro engineering low water levels on Split Lake, Manitoba Hydro has begun releasing water and the level of Split Lake is rising. The Chief and Council of the York Factory First Nation have urgently called on Transport Minister Lisa Naylor to restore the ferry service on Split Lake for the remainder of the ice-free season in 2025.

Chief Darryl Wastesicoot said, “the water is going up, there is an opportunity for the ferry to make a few runs, so we can bring in our school bus, garbage truck and a few loads of supplies for our trade school and lumber for houses. It is going to be mild for the next two weeks so let’s take advantage now. We need to get this very important equipment and supplies into York Landing.”

“Yes, it’s not too late to salvage what’s left of the ferry season. There are also Post Secondary students in Thompson and Winnipeg without their vehicles, which became stuck here in York Landing when the ferry service was suddenly suspended on July 16,” added Councillor Martina Saunders.

During the very similar low-water levels and suspension of ferry service in 2003 that were also caused by Manitoba Hydro’s water regime operations, action was taken to restore the ferry service as of October 14, 2003.

“On September 14, we reminded Minister Naylor and Environment Minister Mike Moyes that it is not Hydro’s lake and that they share a responsibility under Manitoba’s laws to maintain the operation of the Manitoba Highway System, which includes the ferry service on Split Lake. Minister Moyes controls Manitoba Hydro’s Water Power Licences and we called on the Minister to require Manitoba Hydro to keep enough water in Split Lake to maintain the essential “lifeline” of our ferry service. We hope that the water levels on Split Lake are rising because Minister Moyes and Minister Naylor are listening to us and are responding to us,” concluded Chief Wastesicoot.

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NT4