The TSW has issued this advisory for the navigation channels and not necessarily the reservoir lakes. All the dams are at their winter set levels and there is no indication that that is going to change. Having said this with little to no rain there will continue to be water loss and lower than normal water levels. Navigation in the lakes should be done carefully as obstacles not normally exposed may present a hazard, even to those very familiar to the lake.
—–The Following is from the TSW—–
LOW WATER LEVEL ADVISORY
Trent-Severn National Historic Site
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO – October 8, 2025 – Parks Canada advises that, due to prolonged dry conditions and limited precipitation across the watershed, water levels on the Trent-Severn Waterway are expected to gradually recede to the minimum or below the navigable range after the close of the 2025 navigation season on October 14, 2025.
As a result, water levels may gradually recede more than usual following the end of the season for the lakes in the Kawartha sector from Lock 19 through Lock 36. The potential impacts for boaters due to the level recession below the minimum navigation level may be felt specifically in Lovesick Lake, Lower Buckhorn Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Cameron Lake, Scugog Lake, and Balsam Lake.
Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to consider this when planning for haul-out and winterization, taking into account their draft specifications. Cottagers, marinas, and boaters are also advised to prepare accordingly.
The Trent-Severn Waterway Water Management Team continues to monitor conditions daily and will make operational adjustments as required to respond to changing watershed circumstances. Updates regarding water levels and flow conditions are communicated through local Conservation Authorities.
Parks Canada remains committed to providing accurate and timely information. For additional details on water management practices for the Trent-Severn Waterway, please visit our Water Management InfoNet at this LINK.