Photo by William Crooks
Councillors Constance Ramacieri and Johanne Fradette addressed the media during a press conference in Stanstead Township on Oct. 7, discussing the proposed navigation restrictions aimed at protecting Fitch Bay from cyanobacteria

Stanstead Township takes decisive action to combat cyanobacteria in Fitch Bay

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a press conference held on Oct. 7 in Fitch Bay, Stanstead Township Councillor Constance Ramacieri addressed concerns about the persistent cyanobacteria problem in Fitch Bay, a northeastern branch of Lake Memphremagog. Ramacieri emphasized that the Township has proposed to formally request navigation restrictions from Transport Canada to mitigate the environmental and public health risks posed by boating activities in the bay. The details of the request are not yet final.

“We understand the impact that such restrictions may have on the residents and boaters who enjoy activities in Fitch Bay,” Ramacieri said. “However, in light of the ongoing threat from cyanobacteria, we must act decisively to protect the health of our community and the integrity of this precious body of water.”

A growing concern

The issue of cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, has been a concern for several years in Fitch Bay. Cyanobacteria thrive in nutrient-rich, shallow waters where phosphorous levels are high. The bay, with an average depth of just 3.12 meters, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of boating. Motorized boats stir up the sediment on the lakebed, releasing phosphorus into the water column, which in turn promotes cyanobacteria growth.

Fitch Bay is not unique in facing this problem. Similar issues have been observed in other lakes, such as Lac Noir in Lanaudière, where research shows that motorboats can disturb the sediment even in deeper waters. A 2017 study of Lac Noir found that boats, particularly those used for wakeboarding, can cause significant turbulence that stirs up sediments, releasing nutrients like phosphorus that contribute to harmful algal blooms.

“The impact of wakeboats and other watercraft in shallow waters like Fitch Bay is undeniable,” Ramacieri explained. “When boats stir up sediment, they effectively feed the cyanobacteria by releasing more phosphorus into the water.”

The Township’s request

The Township has been working on this issue since 2019, when it first began preparing its request to Transport Canada for new navigation restrictions. The request includes three primary measures:

1. A speed limit of 10 km/h across the entire surface of Fitch Bay.

2. A ban on towing people on any sport or recreational equipment, including wakeboarding.

3. A ban on allowing people to surf in the wake of a boat.

Ramacieri was clear that these measures are aimed at reducing the physical disturbance to the bay’s delicate ecosystem, particularly its sediment-rich floor, which is a known reservoir for phosphorus.

“We’ve chosen these restrictions because they strike a balance between preserving recreational use of the bay and protecting its environment,” Ramacieri said.

Understanding the science

A scientific advisory commissioned by the Township in June 2024 outlined the urgent need for action. The advisory, authored by biologist Ariane Orjikh, compared Fitch Bay’s conditions to those of Lac Noir, demonstrating that Fitch Bay’s shallower waters and finer sediments made it even more susceptible to damage from boating. The findings were based on studies that showed the phosphorus-laden sediment in both bodies of water could be easily disturbed by motorboats, leading to increased cyanobacteria growth.

Orjikh’s report echoed the findings of earlier studies, stating that waves and turbulence from boats in shallow waters create obvious sediment resuspension, further degrading water quality. The 2024 advisory emphasized that restricting boating activities, particularly those that create large waves, is essential to protecting the bay’s already fragile ecosystem.

“These are not just theoretical concerns,” Ramacieri added. “The science is clear—boating activities in shallow waters like Fitch Bay are directly linked to the worsening cyanobacteria problem.”

The broader impact

Beyond the environmental concerns, cyanobacteria pose a serious health risk to both humans and animals. According to Health Canada, exposure to cyanobacteria can cause skin irritation, stomach issues, and even more severe symptoms like liver and kidney damage. Ramacieri noted that children and pets are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to accidentally ingest contaminated water.

The Township’s accompanying press release further highlighted the long-term consequences of failing to act. In addition to the health risks, cyanobacteria outbreaks can negatively impact property values and delay the sale of waterfront homes. A study on blue-green algae in Quebec lakes found that property values dropped by an average of 52 per cent in areas affected by cyanobacteria, and properties took an additional 100 days to sell.

“The presence of cyanobacteria not only threatens our health and the environment, but it also affects the economic well-being of our community,” Ramacieri said. “We must take steps now to prevent these negative outcomes.”

Engaging the community

Ramacieri assured residents that the Township’s decision was not made lightly. She emphasized the Township’s commitment to open dialogue with the community, noting that there would be further opportunities for residents to provide feedback before the restrictions are finalized.

The process of submitting a formal request to Transport Canada is complex and could take several months. However, Ramacieri expressed confidence that the Township is on the right path. “We have been working on this since 2019, and it is time to see it through,” she said. “Our council is fully engaged, and we are determined to find every possible way to protect the environment and public health.”

During the question period, Ramacieri addressed inquiries from reporters regarding the impact of recent legislative changes and the difficulties municipalities face when requesting restrictions from Transport Canada. She clarified that while last year’s announcements from provincial officials were expected to expedite the process, the reality has been different.

“We believed the process would be faster, but it remains cumbersome,” she explained, noting that municipalities still face significant hurdles when submitting requests. Ramacieri also highlighted that any feedback from citizens must first go through the municipality before being forwarded to Transport Canada, further complicating the process.

Looking forward

While the process may be lengthy, Ramacieri reiterated the Township’s commitment to including all perspectives in its final report to Transport Canada. She also noted that the council is actively seeking additional studies and feedback to ensure that the request is as comprehensive as possible.

The proposed restrictions would be a significant step in addressing the cyanobacteria problem in Fitch Bay, but they are just one part of the Township’s broader environmental strategy. The council has already implemented a range of initiatives to protect the bay, including septic tank regulations, shoreline compliance monitoring, and an annual boat-washing program.

Ramacieri called on the community to support these efforts. “The health of Fitch Bay is in our hands,” she said. “By working together, we can ensure that this beautiful part of Lake Memphremagog remains a safe and enjoyable place for generations to come.”