On Sunday afternoon October 25, reports were received by the FLCA regarding a suspected spill at the north west end of Farlain Lake. A community member provided the drone photo above. The matter was reported by the FLCA to both the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Tiny Township. Since then, both the MECP and the Township of Tiny have been actively involved in investigating and addressing the situation, and have been keeping the FLCA informed. Water samples were collected, and we are awaiting laboratory results from the MECP. Yesterday a “boom” was installed by the Township fire department (photo on the right) in an effort to contain the spill and from the photos below taken today, October 27, it appears to have had some impact. MECP may be installing its own boom today.

The source and nature of the suspected spill have not yet been confirmed. Until we have more information about the nature of the suspected spill and any potential risks, the FLCA suggests that residents who draw water directly from Farlain Lake refrain from using it. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing dishes and other household purposes.

Please note: This is a precautionary recommendation from the FLCA, not an official water advisory issued by public health authorities.

These photos taken earlier the morning of October 27 show the current status of the spill as it moves through the lake. Thanks to Rob Macdonald for providing ongoing drone shots of the spill, assisting the MECP and Township in their investigative efforts.

Our thanks go to all those members of the community who reported the issue on Sunday. We recognize that this situation is concerning, particularly for residents who rely on lake water, and certainly for everyone in the community committed to the protection of the lake and its environment. The Township of Tiny and MECP are actively working on the matter and we sincerely appreciate their prompt response and action. We have been providing updates and sharing information through our FLCA communication channels (elerts and Facebook) and will continue to do so through those channels and this web site as information becomes available. We have also requested that the Township send a note out to the community to help ensure everyone is kept informed.

Reporting Spills or Sharing Information

If you have information that may be relevant to the investigation, please share it directly with the appropriate authorities.  We also remind residents that spills or suspected spills should be reported promptly to the MECP Spills Action Centre at: 📞 1-866-663-8477