In 1985 an open space plan was adopted by town council in the Innisfail General Municipal Plan.
It was recommended that Dodd's Lake continue as a major recreation use park and be considered a "development" lake in terms of its future use with compatible, diverse and balanced development taking place in and around the lake.
Mud Lake was defined as a "semi-development" lake and Napoleon Lake as a "conservation lake."
The report states that all three Innisfail lakes are not fish habitat. No species can survive the winter freeze-up.
Dodd's Lake has been stocked at least three times over the last 40 years only to result in dead fish. The reality is Dodd's Lake is only a retention pond for storm runoff.
I have had 40 years of direct contact with Dodd's Lake. I remember the first days on a stagnant, pea soup swamp that only a few people even knew existed or would ever think of venturing into. After a few years of daily aeration from a power boat we were able to see clearly down several feet.
We have always respected the lake environment and the wildlife. The boat waves are no different than waves created by the wind. Do ducks leave when the wind blows? We follow the lake rules that prohibit any boats in the reeds or nesting areas.
Don Llewellyn cleaned out car bodies. a bus, blocks of cement and endless debris on the south end of the lake. It was a dumping ground.
Over time and with the help and approval of the Town of Innisfail he created the parks and boat launch on the south end. It opened up the lake for everyone to see and enjoy.
The boardwalk is the result of joint work to obtain a municipal recreation and tourism grant to host major water-ski tournaments.
The Water Ski Club hosted 12 provincial championships, as well as the 1983 westerns and the 1985 Canadian championship.
The boardwalk has since been neglected, allowing vegetation to grow too close, deteriorating its surface and blocking the view.
It is because of all the years of vision and work that we have Dodd's Lake as you see it today. It is because of the aeration from the boat that cleaner water can be enjoyed by diverse activities, in full cooperation, as was the intent of the Innisfail Open Space Plan.
