Tracking the rehabilitation of Frame Lake, Yellowknife

Frame Lake in Yellowknife is often described as a “dead lake.” This description relates to both the absence of fish in the lake, as well as the lack of recreational opportunities the lake provides to residents in its current condition. This wasn’t always the case, as Dené fished the lake prior to European Settlement, and early Yellowknife residents often used it as a boating, fishing, and swimming spot.

Fortunately, a group of proponents is currently pursuing a project to rehabilitate Frame Lake. The goal of the rehabilitation project is to improve water quality in Frame Lake, such that natural ecosystem processes are restored, water quality is improved, a recreational fishery can be re-established, and recreational uses for humans can be supported.

The main intervention planned for Frame Lake is the installation of a hypolimnetic aerator that can provide oxygen under ice during the winter. Currently, oxygen levels under ice in Frame Lake decrease to levels that are not tolerable for fish. Effectively, there is no overwintering habitat for fish in Frame Lake.

To evaluate the success of the rehabilitation, we will be monitoring water quality and organisms that make up the food web in Frame Lake. Our data will help to inform plans to reintroduce fish to the lake.

Associated students: Nicole Andreola, Madeline Patenall, Layana Khan

Funding: Rio-Tinto, Northwest Territories Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program