On September 17, 2024, an event that had been over a year in the making took place at Floatingstone Lake, located in St. Paul County, Alberta. The long-awaited removal of a car that had been submerged in the lake since late November 2023 finally occurred, marking the conclusion of a significant environmental and community-driven effort. The car, a white Mazda, had fallen through the ice while its occupants were ice fishing, prompting a complex and lengthy recovery operation.
The Discovery of the Submerged Mazda
The incident began in November 2023 when the vehicle broke through the ice on Floatingstone Lake. Ice fishing enthusiasts who were in the area that day witnessed the vehicle’s sudden plunge into the water, leaving its owners stranded on the lake’s surface. Despite the best efforts of the local authorities, the car remained submerged for nearly a year, due to the challenges associated with the recovery process.
Roland Letendre, a concerned local resident, was the first person to notice the car while navigating the shallower areas of the lake. Upon discovering the vehicle, Letendre became increasingly concerned about the environmental impact the submerged car could have on the surrounding ecosystem. He noted that the car’s presence could potentially contaminate the water, harm the aquatic habitat, and create a hazard for lake-goers who enjoyed recreational activities in the area.
Community Effort and Environmental Concerns
Letendre’s efforts to have the car removed were met with bureaucratic delays. For months, Letendre contacted officials from various levels of government, including local county authorities, provincial agencies, fish and wildlife departments, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). However, despite his persistence, the removal was postponed due to a variety of reasons, including logistical challenges and jurisdictional issues.
Letendre’s concerns about the environmental impact were well-founded. Cars submerged in lakes can leach harmful chemicals such as oils, battery fluids, and other toxic substances, all of which can be detrimental to water quality and aquatic life. Additionally, the presence of a sunken vehicle poses a safety risk for fishermen, swimmers, and boaters, as it can create underwater obstacles and make navigation difficult.
As time passed, Letendre’s frustration grew, but his determination never wavered. Finally, in the spring of 2024, Alberta Forestry and Parks announced that a plan to remove the car was in the works. Despite the lack of immediate action, Letendre remained hopeful that the car would eventually be pulled from the lake.
The Recovery Process
On the morning of September 17, 2024, Roland Letendre drove past Floatingstone Lake and noticed an encouraging sight. Several vehicles and a tow truck were stationed at the boat launch, signaling that the long-awaited recovery operation was underway. Letendre, eager to witness the progress firsthand, launched his boat and approached the recovery site.
The recovery team employed airbags to carefully lift the car from the lake’s bottom. The vehicle was then flipped and towed back to the boat launch with the help of two boats. Despite the slow pace of the operation—Letendre humorously noted that the car was towed at a pace slower than walking—the extraction was deemed a success. The car, which had been submerged for nearly a year, emerged covered in algae and muck, a testament to its extended stay in the lake.
Upon closer inspection, Letendre realized that the car, initially thought to be yellow, was actually white. Its exterior had been covered with layers of algae, making it appear as if it had been part of an underwater landscape straight out of an oceanic film. The recovery crew worked meticulously, and the operation was completed with no major incidents.
Public Reactions and Environmental Impact
The successful recovery of the vehicle was met with widespread relief and praise. Roland Letendre, who had advocated for the car’s removal since the spring, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. He described the operation as “flawless” and emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing local environmental concerns. The public, too, voiced their appreciation for the dedication of those involved in the recovery, particularly Letendre, whose persistence had kept the issue in the public eye.
The environmental impact of the submerged car was a significant concern throughout the recovery process. Submerged vehicles can pose a variety of threats to ecosystems. Toxic substances like oil and gasoline leak from the vehicle, contaminating the water and endangering aquatic life. In addition to the immediate effects on water quality, the long-term consequences of a submerged car can include the disruption of local ecosystems and the destruction of habitats for fish and other wildlife. Fortunately, the removal of the Mazda from Floatingstone Lake helped mitigate these risks, and environmental assessments will continue to ensure the lake’s recovery.
The Investigation and Legal Considerations
Following the removal of the vehicle, Alberta Forestry and Parks announced that an investigation would be conducted. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s submersion and to establish accountability for the incident. Given that the car fell through the ice during a recreational activity, questions remain about the role of local authorities in monitoring ice conditions and ensuring the safety of those using the lake for ice fishing.
Moreover, questions about the financial and legal responsibilities for removing the car remain unresolved. The costs associated with such recoveries typically fall on local governments or the individuals involved in the incident. In this case, Letendre’s tireless advocacy and the cooperation of various stakeholders helped ensure that the car was ultimately removed. However, it remains to be seen whether further actions will be taken regarding accountability or compensation for the recovery efforts.
The Future of Floatingstone Lake
With the car’s removal, the focus now shifts to the future of Floatingstone Lake and the steps necessary to ensure the lake’s ongoing preservation. As a popular destination for outdoor recreation, the lake provides a vital natural resource for the local community. Efforts to maintain the lake’s health will likely involve regular monitoring, particularly in terms of water quality and the condition of the surrounding ice during the winter months.
The incident also underscores the importance of proactive environmental stewardship. While the recovery operation was a success, it is essential for communities to remain vigilant and work collaboratively to address potential environmental hazards before they escalate. Whether through regular inspections or community-led initiatives, protecting the natural resources that sustain local ecosystems must be a priority for all stakeholders involved.
Conclusion
The removal of the submerged Mazda from Floatingstone Lake marks the end of a challenging and prolonged ordeal for the local community. The recovery operation, which involved a dedicated team of individuals, represents the power of collective action in preserving the environment and addressing pressing issues. As the investigation continues and efforts to safeguard the lake’s future move forward, the story of this submerged vehicle serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental responsibility and community engagement.
The successful removal also demonstrates the potential for positive change when individuals and local authorities work together to solve environmental challenges. Floatingstone Lake, once at risk of suffering from pollution and ecological damage, now stands as a testament to the resilience and commitment of those who took action to protect it.