Inga Lake, a popular fishing spot near Fort St. John, B.C., is facing potential decommissioning by fall 2027 due to safety concerns related to its aging infrastructure. The earthen dam and steel weir at the lake, located about 75 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John, have surpassed their expected lifespan and are at risk of failure according to recent inspections.
Tara Lumley, a conservation programs specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada, highlighted safety worries about seepage through the dam during a presentation to the Peace River Regional District. The dam being classified as high-consequence means that a potential blowout could pose significant risks to public safety and other factors.
If the structures are decommissioned, the lake’s size would decrease by approximately 60%, returning it to natural levels and enhancing wetland habitat. This action would also mark the end of a recreational fishery initiated in 1973 with the stocking of rainbow trout in the lake.
James Morgan, the fish and wildlife section head at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, mentioned that Inga Lake became a designated recreation site in 1999. The lake offers easy access for fishers, with aeration in place to prevent fish mortality in the shallow waters, especially during winter.
Despite recent upgrades to campsites and roads between 2019 and 2021, there is currently no funding allocated for the repair of the 35-year-old dam and weir. Various funding sources have been explored, both provincially and through conservation agencies, but none have committed to supporting the necessary repairs.
Estimates for the repair costs range from $300,000 for minor fixes extending the dam’s life by ten years to $1.5 million for significant repairs extending its lifespan by 25 years. A preliminary dam safety review, estimated at $100,000, would need to be conducted before any repair work begins.
In the event of decommissioning, the costs are projected to be around $70,000. Originally established in 1970 to serve local oilfield activities, Inga Lake saw involvement from the province in the 1980s and upgrades from Ducks Unlimited in 1990.
Discussions during the recent meeting included the potential transformation of the lake site into a community or regional park, although no formal decisions were made. Even if funding for repairs is secured, Ducks Unlimited expressed reluctance to be involved post-construction due to increased maintenance and travel expenses.
If the lake is decommissioned, the province would likely manage the campsites, although their value would be diminished without the fishery. Efforts are ongoing to secure funding from provincial ministries to address the critical infrastructure needs at Inga Lake.
