Belwood Lake boat launch closing Sept. 25

CENTRE WELLINGTON – The boat launch at Belwood Lake will be out of service as of this Thursday.

"Prolonged dry conditions during the months of August and September have resulted in a reduction in ... reservoir inflows," stated a Sept. 19 press release from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).

Officials added that the Conestogo Dam rehabilitation project "has increased the operational demand on Shand Dam at Belwood Lake Conservation Area, to support downstream flow augmentation.

"Based on the current rate of reservoir decline, water levels are projected to reach an elevation of 417.6m by [Sept. 25].

"At this elevation, the boat launch will no longer be accessible due to insufficient water levels."

GRCA officials say boaters and cottagers should make plans to remove boats before Sept. 25.