February, 2026 — Thank you to everyone who participated in our fall survey on Lac Gauvreau's Responsible Boating Guidelines. Since their introduction in 2022, these guidelines have helped address environmental and safety concerns related to both motorized and non-motorized boating, particularly the spread of Eurasian milfoil. We wanted to hear from you about how they're working.

What We’ve Learned
Forty-nine people responded to the survey (approximately 30% of lake residents), with the majority being non-motorized boat owners. The full results are available in our latest February, 2026 newsletter.

Most respondents are longtime members of the Lac Gauvreau community. Nearly two-thirds have lived on or owned property on the lake for more than 10 years, and most spend time at the lake daily or several times a week during the summer. Boating is common (93%), though non-motorized activities—such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing—are by far the most frequent uses. Low-powered motorboats are used occasionally, while high-powered motorboats are used by a relatively small proportion of respondents.

Shared concerns and priorities
The results show strong alignment around protecting the lake. Nearly 80% of respondents reported being very or somewhat concerned about the environmental impacts of motorboats, including the spread of Eurasian milfoil, sediment disturbance, shoreline erosion, and pollution. Noise and safety are also important considerations, with a majority expressing at least some level of concern. Overall, the survey reflects a shared desire to balance recreation with environmental protection and safety for all lake users.

Awareness and communication
Awareness of the Responsible Boating Guidelines is very high. Almost all respondents are familiar with the guidelines, and more than 90% feel they have been communicated well or very well. Most also reported that information about speed limits, restricted zones, and sensitive areas is easy to access through signage, maps, newsletters, or the Enviro Lac Gauvreau website. This suggests that ongoing communication efforts are effective.

Effectiveness of the guidelines
Overall satisfaction with the current boating guidelines is strong. More than two-thirds of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied. Most feel the guidelines address key concerns—such as water quality, milfoil control, shoreline protection, safety, and fair recreational use—either well or very well.

When asked about the size and speed limits of the various colour coded boating zones, a majority supported maintaining the current zones and speed limits. At the same time, a meaningful number of respondents expressed openness to expanding certain zones or reducing speeds further, indicating interest in precautionary approaches.

Looking ahead
Respondents showed strong support for preventive and educational measures, including awareness campaigns for visitors and renters, mandatory boat cleaning before entering the lake, and stronger encouragement to follow existing guidelines. Nearly half of those surveyed are ready to roll up their sleeves and actively participate in protecting the lake — a promising sign for Enviro Lac Gauvreau.

Survey Highlights

• 65% of respondents have lived on or owned property on Lac Gauvreau for more than 10 years
• 93% use a boat on the lake
• 73% regularly use non-motorized boats
• 80% are very or somewhat concerned about environmental impacts
• 96% are familiar with the Responsible Boating Guidelines
• 92% feel the guidelines are communicated well or very well
• 68% are satisfied or very satisfied with the current guidelines
• 75% support awareness campaigns for visitors and renters
• 73% support mandatory boat cleaning before entering the lake

The good news: the guidelines are working well overall, and no major changes are needed.

What still needs attention:

• Noise pollution – Motorboat noise remains a concern for many residents
• Wake impact – Shoreline erosion from boat wakes continues to be an issue
• Safety – Swimmers and non-motorized boaters face ongoing risks from faster traffic
• Boat cleaning practices– Improved boat cleaning practices to help prevent milfoil spread
• Awareness gaps – Property owners, visitors, and especially renters need better access to the guidelines

Next Steps
The Board is committed to addressing these concerns through enhanced communication and community engagement. While the guidelines are voluntary, we can do more to promote them—including direct, respectful conversations with those who may be unaware of lake-friendly practices.

We all share this lake. By following the Responsible Boating Guidelines, we protect its health, safety, and tranquility for everyone. Review the guidelines here and help us spread the word to neighbours, visitors and renters.

Join us in Protecting our Lake
Enviro Lac Gauvreau thrives because of dedicated volunteers who care about our shared waters. Whether you have a few hours or can make a longer-term commitment, there are meaningful ways to contribute.

We're always looking for:

• Board members who can help guide our strategic direction and decision-making and partake on various exciting Enviro Lac Gauvreau projects
• Event volunteers to support initiatives like our popular annual shoreline restoration plant sale
• Water quality monitors to assist with testing and data collection
• Communications helpers to share updates and engage our community via our newsletter and website
• Project leads for specific initiatives like invasive species monitoring or educational outreach
• Your skills and passion—whatever they may be—can make a real difference for Lac Gauvreau. Whether you're a long-time cottager, a new resident, or simply someone who loves this lake, we'd welcome your involvement.
• Ready to get involved? Email us at enviro.gauvreau@gmail.com. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you'd like to help, and we'll find the right fit for you.

What are we working on?

• Plants for the lake shore restoration project (almost free native plants) have been ordered. More information on how to order your plants to follow!
• We have received the Milfoil report from FYTO. We are reviewing it and will dedicate a newsletter to the results and the options to control Milfoil in the coming months
• We are putting systems in place to better manage our administrative processes like membership administration.

Stay tuned!