Snow melt and significant precipitation early in the spring have resulted in the highest lake level in memory with significant impact on our community. This ranges from saturation and loss of shoreline, flooding in low lying areas, serious damage to some shoreline cottages and homes particularly in the southwest end of the lake, and damage to other structures such as docks and boat houses. The boat launch on Andrew Drive is badly flooded, making it unsafe with tree stumps hidden underwater.
Actions to Date
The FLCA has been actively engaging with the Township and the SSEA (Severn Sound Environmental Association), gathering information, and considering both short-term and longer-term approaches to this situation. We are committed to keeping our members informed through regular elerts and a page on the web site dedicated to 2026 Water Levels under Our Lake/Lake Water Levels. The gauge installed annually in the boat launch area since 2019 by the SSEA and Township is back, and readings have commenced to allow tracking by the SSEA compared to last year and changes over the season.
The Township of Tiny provided sand and the FLCA the bags for sandbags starting earlier in the spring and the FLCA remains in regular communication with Township staff. Although the FLCA reached out to the province for assistance, it was declined. The SSEA is continuing its lake water level monitoring program that includes regular reports sent to the Township and available to residents at all times. The results from the 2025 program are available on the web site under Our Lake/Lake Water Levels. Further details for 2026 are included in the upcoming issue of the FLCA newsletter, Ripples. The FLCA Board is committed to continuing to work on this and has now put together a working group of members led by FLCA member Tammy Turpin to focus on this challenging issue and help the association identify our future direction in addressing the significant impact the flooding is having on the lake and our community.
Lake Community Residents Can Help!
- Document and share the impact you are experiencing to help us understand the extent of the issue across the lake, advocate effectively with the Township and other agencies, and identify potential next steps. Simply send an email to the FLCA at inquiries@farlainlake.ca that includes photos, description of the impact, your location on the lake and the date(s) observed
- Check your septic system and well to ensure there has been no impact – see the attached Fact Sheet courtesy of FOCA.
- Be Wake Aware! – boat wakes, especially large or repeated wakes, can significantly worsen shoreline damage, impact docks and structures, and contribute to long-term property loss. Even when you are not speeding, activities such as cruising at mid-range speeds or making repeated passes in the same area can create powerful wakes that travel far beyond your boat. Be mindful that your wake affects others long after your boat has passed.
- Please delay putting motorized boats and jet skis in the water until conditions improve. There are currently many significantly vulnerable shoreline properties around the lake, and minimizing wake activity early in the season can make a huge difference.
- For safety reasons, do not use the boat launch on Andrew Drive given hidden hazards now under water and that the ground is totally saturated.
Small changes in how we operate our boats can make a meaningful difference in protecting our community, our shorelines, and each other’s properties during this challenging time.
The continued rise in the lake level and its impact on the community has resulted in hundreds of hours over the past decade on the part of FLCA volunteers, the SSEA and the Township researching and identifying potential contributing factors such as climate change and increased development around the lake. There are many challenges and unfortunately no easy fix. But the FLCA is committed to continuing to support our community, the lake and the environment around it.