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Lake Winnipeg Regulation

The Lake Winnipeg Regulation (LWR) project regulates flow out of Lake Winnipeg to help reduce shoreline flooding around the lake and to optimize power generation along the Nelson River.

The Province of Manitoba approved the project in 1970. We began construction in 1970 and it was in operation in 1976.

The project created a second outlet for Lake Winnipeg and a network of channels and structures. These control the outflow of water from the lake and increase the outflow potential by about 50%. The LWR outlet and channels reduce shoreline flooding on Lake Winnipeg in summer and provide more water to lower Nelson River generating stations during winter.

The LWR main components:

  • The Jenpeg generating station and control structure – regulates Lake Winnipeg’s outflow through the west channel of the Nelson River.
  • A series of diversion channels (Two-Mile Channel, Eight-Mile Channel, Ominawin Bypass, and Kisipachewuk Channel Improvement) – these increase the outflow capacity from Lake Winnipeg into the Nelson River.

For more information about the environmental effects, read the Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment.

Read more about the LWR Water Power Act licensing.