Shoal Lake (Kenora District, Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shoal Lake |
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 Shoal Lake
Location in Ontario
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| Location | Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba |
| Coordinates | 49°33′N 95°00′W / 49.550°N 95.000°W |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Shoal Lake is a large lake located right on the border between Ontario and Manitoba in Canada. It sits to the northwest of Lake of the Woods. Shoal Lake is closely connected to Lake of the Woods. Depending on how high the water is, water can flow both into and out of Shoal Lake from Lake of the Woods. Because of this, many people consider it almost a part of Lake of the Woods itself.
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Exploring Shoal Lake
Shoal Lake is a big body of water. Not all of it has been fully mapped yet. This means that if you are boating or exploring, it is important to be careful.
Fish and Wildlife
Shoal Lake is home to several types of fish. The main kinds you will find are smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. In the past, people used to fish for walleye here to sell them. However, this commercial fishing was stopped because too many fish were being caught.
People and History
Many people enjoy Shoal Lake. There are private cabins where families spend their holidays. There are also places where tourists can stay. These places offer cabins or full vacation packages for visitors from Canada and the United States. Shoal Lake is also where Manitoba Pioneer Camp is located.
Two First Nations communities have strong ties to Shoal Lake. These are the #39 and #40 First Nations. Their lands are located around much of the lake.
Gold Mining and Water Protection
Shoal Lake has a history of gold mining. When the price of gold goes up, there is often interest in mining for gold again. However, this idea is often opposed by people who own cabins on the lake. The City of Winnipeg also opposes new mining. This is because Winnipeg has used Shoal Lake as its main source of clean drinking water for nearly 100 years.
To keep the water clean and protect the unique plants and animals, Shoal Lake has special rules. These rules help to control what kinds of development can happen around the lake.
Supplying Water to Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg runs a special railway called the Greater Winnipeg Water District Railway. This railway goes between Shoal Lake and the City of Winnipeg. It is used by workers who maintain the Greater Winnipeg Water District Aqueduct. This aqueduct is a large pipe system that carries water from Shoal Lake all the way to Winnipeg, providing safe drinking water for the city.
