Reducing the Impact of Wake Boats on Brome Lake

Brome Lake faces a continuing dilemma: how can the Town accommodate growing recreational use while protecting the lake and reducing conflicts between users? As reported in the May issue of Tempo, wakeboarding is increasing, along with concerns about the impact of wake boats.

Tempo recently spoke with TLB Mayor Lee Patterson about what the Town is doing—and why it is not currently pursuing a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR) for restricting wakeboarding.

As a former lake patrol officer, Patterson is well aware of the challenges. “We have formally assessed whether wakeboarding is compatible with the lake’s size shoreline density, depth and ecology, and have received technical studies on wake impacts,” he said.

Most stakeholders agree that restrictions are needed, but Patterson favours other approaches before pursuing a VORR.

Changing behaviour (using education and fines) and implementing alternative strategies to reduce impact should be considered before asking for VORR restrictions on wakeboards on Brome Lake,

TBL Mayor, Lee Patterson

VORR: Not a Quick Fix

A VORR sets out a federal process for restricting certain vessels or activities on navigable waterways. Municipalities can request restrictions, but the process requires extensive preparation and consultation and can take more than a year, sometimes up to two.

Louis Villeneuve, MNA for Brome–Missisquoi and former mayor of Bromont, confirmed that his office had held a meeting with the TLB, Conservation Lac Brome (CLB) and other stakeholders to review the steps involved.

“The process for obtaining restrictions is demanding. A local authority must demonstrate that they are justified and that other options have been explored before a request can be approved by Transport Canada,” he said.

For Patterson, this reinforces the case for trying alternatives first. “Many alternatives can achieve the same result as a VORR without going through the time-consuming and sometimes costly regulatory process,” he said.

Will Alternatives Be Enough?

TLB has introduced an awareness campaign, signage, a geolocation tool and increased patrols. The question is whether these measures will reduce wakeboarding’s impacts—or whether stronger restrictions will eventually be necessary.

CLB is expected to provide an update on lake activity at summer’s end. TLB will assess the results before deciding on a strategy.

For now, the Town’s approach is “prove what works first”. But if alternatives cannot adequately protect Brome Lake, the case for a VORR may become harder to ignore.