By David Wiwchar

federal government cut funding

Sproat Lake Marine Patrol in jeopardy

Feb 25, 2026 | 8:39 AM

The popular Sproat Lake Marine Program is in jeopardy.

Alberni – Clayoquot Regional District Director of Finance Terri Fong told a group of Sproat Lake residents this week, that the federal government has cut funding to the cherished summer safety program.

“So the board is committed to running the service at the same service level as last year by using our reserves – that is definitely a short term strategy and not sustainable over time, but in the meantime, we continue to look for different ways to fund the service,” she said. “It will run as normal in 2026”.

Since 2004, summer students have been helping people at the boat launch, checking safety gear, patroling the lake, assisting with emergencies and other roles.

Fong said the feds paid for 75% of the project, around $65,000 per year, and she’s hoping they realize the value of the service and restore the funding.

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Sproat Lake Fire Chief Mike Cann says he’s hoping to purchase a fire boat.

He told a Sproat Lake community meeting on Monday he has been working towards a fireboat with a potential budget of $550,000.

A request for proposal is still to be developed and approved.