Central Albertans flock to Gleniffer Lake
A warm holiday Monday was an ample day for some Central Albertans who decided to dip their toes in Gleniffer Lake.
The majority of Gleniffer Lake was reopened on Thursday, just in time for those wanting to test its waters over the Canada Day weekend.
While the lake wasn’t as busy as previous long weekends, some did make it out on their boats to enjoy the odd day off.
Scott Marshall, of Bowden, was getting ready to launch his boat off the south dike. He said the water looks clean.
“It should be diluted by now. I am not concerned,” he said on Monday.
On June 7, up to 3,000 barrels (475,000 litres) of light sour crude oil was released into the Red Deer River from a ruptured Plains Midstream Canada pipeline about one km north of Sundre. The oil from the spill made its way to Gleniffer Lake — a popular recreational area southwest of Red Deer.
Dereck Van Sickle, of Innisfail, was also enjoying the lake with his family. He is related to an individual involved in water quality testing and felt fine swimming in the lake.
“We have more than enough assurance,” he said as he loaded his 11-month-old son Karson into the boat.
Van Sickle said he did notice a difference on Monday as there were copious places to park his boat.
“Usually there is absolutely no parking here,” he said. He added that some people may have stayed home as the lake only reopened on Thursday.
jjones@reddeeradvocate.com
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