Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night there was a meeting held in Yellowknife for residents to discuss the issues surrounding low water levels in one of the lakes within the city. The meeting was organized by the city of Yellowknife's Department of Public Works for residents to discuss the current Range Lake water level. Mr. Speaker, the gate which controls the lake's water level was accidentally left open which resulted in water running out of the lake this spring. This caused a reduction in the lake's water level.
The lake is in the midst of a residential area in my constituency. Residents of the area have many immediate concerns about this situation, ranging from a foul stench around the lake where there is now exposed bed lake, lack of sufficient water levels to cover previously water filled areas, potential harm to water fowl which inhabit this area, and most importantly, a potential health risk due to emissions of arsenic and now exposed sediment. Mr. Speaker, the residents' concerns are all genuine and must be addressed with satisfactory answers found.
Prior to this meeting, I was made aware of some of the concerns on this matter by area residents. I also know that as of yesterday, concerns have been brought to the offices of Minister Ng and Minister Kakfwi as their offices and mine have received letters from area residents outlining their concerns. At the meeting last night, the city of Yellowknife committed to the residents to refill the lake up to acceptable levels and continue to monitor this level. Mr. Speaker, I also had discussions with Mr. Brad Colpitts. He is manager of Environmental Health for Yellowknife Health and Social Services who has also assured me that there is no immediate risk or hazard to residents of the area. His department is continuing to monitor the situation and is working with the city to bring the matter to a close. From discussions with the director of Public Works and Services within the city of Yellowknife, Mr. Gary Craig, I am also confident and assured that the city of Yellowknife is doing their utmost to replenish the water levels of this lake which, Mr. Speaker, will also eliminate any perceived potential health risk to residents and return the water levels to the previous state. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.