Vegetation, debris and trees were removed late in 2025 from Witchcraft Lake Dam, allowing increased flows down McGarrigle Creek, and thus lowering Witchcraft Lake. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

provincial order

RDN does not expect lowered Witchcraft Lake to lead to groundwater loss

Jan 24, 2026 | 11:10 AM

NANAIMO  — Recent mandated dam-clearing work at a lake on the lower slopes of Mount Benson is not expected to have notable impacts on scarce local groundwater inventory, according to the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).

The City of Nanaimo was informed last year by BC Dam Safety to clear debris impacting an aging and deteriorating dam off the end of Benson View Rd.

That work was completed last November.

Subsequently, Witchcraft Lake has lowered, prompting a number of concerns from local residents, including about potential groundwater implications.

In a statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, Erica Forrsman, drinking water & watershed protection program coordinator for the RDN, stated there are no known studies or evidence indicating hydraulic connections between Witchcraft Lake and the local groundwater supply.

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“Aquifer 211 is a bedrock aquifer, so any influence from a surface water body would likely be minimal at the scale of the overall aquifer. Given the low permeability of bedrock, any depletion effects would be difficult to detect.”

The Mount Benson Foothills aquifer, known as Aquifer 211, has consistently reported below-average groundwater levels in annual analysis reports compiled by the RDN.

Aquifer 211 has declining water levels, Forrsman noted, which she said will be discussed at an RDN-hosted WellSmart workshop this spring.

Groundwater aquifer 211 is a bedrock source with declining levels. (Image Credit: (RDN))

NanaimoNewsNOW is awaiting a response from East Wellington Fire Department for comment on the potential impacts reduced Witchcraft Lake water levels could have on localized firefighting capabilities.

The department has a roadside hydrant and draft line tapped into Witchcraft Lake.

East Wellington Fire Department’s hydrant and connected draft line which extends into Witchcraft Lake (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Meanwhile, a report dated last spring from BC Dam Safety explained why remedial work to unclog the Witchcraft Lake Dam at McGarrigle Creek was required.

“From the file review, Witchcraft Lake Dam currently has a dam failure consequence classification of significant,” stated the report.

At issue, according to BC Dam Safety, are an estimated 65 properties downstream within about three kilometres of the dam that BC Dam Safety deemed could potentially be impacted by a dam failure at Withcraft Lake.

Benson View Rd. properties are not deemed to be at risk, according to BC Dam Safety.

Alternate view of the aging Witchcraft Lake Dam (Image Credit: (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW))

According to the City of Nanaimo, Witchcraft Lake was created in the 1930’s to create a small private hydroelectric project, which shut down in the 1950’s.

The City is attempting to reclassify Witchcraft Lake Dam to a minor dam or have it removed from the provincial dam registry altogether.

Demonstration of recent clearing at Witchcraft Lake Dam (Image Credit: (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW))

Witchcraft Lake is visibly several feet lower than it had been in years past. (Image Credit: (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW))

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