Zebra and quagga mussels continue to threaten water bodies in Ontario and Manitoba, costing municipalities millions of dollars in damage to water infrastructure and declining water quality. Preventing and managing the threat of aquatic invasive species has been an ongoing initiative in Alberta and continued advocacy has been a priority to limit the possibility of transfer between provinces.
Supported by AAMDC and AUMA advocacy efforts, the Government of Alberta strengthened public awareness and monitoring efforts last summer and conducted over 12,200 mandatory inspections of boats that were transported into the province.
Despite this work, Alberta’s water bodies continue to be at great risk as there has been minimal inspection in Saskatchewan. In light of this risk, AAMDC and AUMA collaborated the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) to increase awareness of the severity of this issue. As a result of advocacy undertaken by SARM and SUMA, the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed May 8 to 14 AIS Awareness Week and increased watercraft inspections at the Manitoba and US borders, and at high risk water bodies such as those with watercraft events. Click here to read Saskatchewan’s announcement.
AAMDC appreciates the coordinated effort between municipal associations in moving this issue forward and recognizes the value that the prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species has on all provinces.
Enquiries may be directed to:
| Tasha Blumenthal Policy Analyst 780.955.4094 |
Kim Heyman Director of Advocacy & Communications 780.955.4079 |