We can all help to make the recreational use of Prospect Lake safe and enjoyable for everyone. Please keep in mind that people live on the lake. Keep noise levels low and reasonable, avoid idling, and respect private property.

This page outlines the key laws and regulations regarding boating and recreating around the lake.

You can help by familiarizing yourself with them, and by contacting Saanich Police if you observe violations or see someone in need of help (for possible violations please provide a vehicle license number and/or boat registration number, a description of the vehicle or vessel and persons involved, and their direction of travel).

Saanich Police

Emergency  911

Non-emergency  250-475-4321

Information about Prospect Lake and its community is available from the Prospect Lake and District Community Association (PLDCA), at www.pldca.ca

For more information please contact Saanich Parks at 250-475-5522 or visit us at www.saanichparks.ca

Boats

Main Lake Access Locations

• Echo Drive:  boat trailer access, limited parking
• Whitehead Park: carry-in boat launch, parking
• Estelline Park: carry-in boat launch, limited parking
• South Prospect Lake Park: no boat launching, limited parking

All recreational power boaters require a Canadian Boating Licence, details at BOATsmart Canada.

Personal Watercraft

Jet Skis and Sea-Doos are prohibited (Noise Bylaw).

Mufflers

No person shall launch or operate a motor boat unless it is equipped with a muffler which expels exhaust through water before passing into the air (Noise Bylaw).

Speed Limits (see map)

The maximum speed for all power craft is 8km/hr (5 mph), except within the buoys where the limit is 60 km/hr (36 mph) between 10 a.m. and ½ hr before sunset (Canada Shipping Act). Waterskiing and tubing are limited to this area and these hours.

Direction of Travel

All power craft are requested to move in a counter-clockwise direction within the buoyed area.

Dangerous Boating  

Boats shall not be operated in a dangerous manner (Criminal Code of Canada).

Impaired Boating

Waterskiing and Tubing

It is a criminal offence to tow a person without having a lookout person on board (Criminal Code of Canada).  Waterskiing and tubing is limited to between 10:00 a.m. and ½ hour before sunset.

Park Use

Public areas around Prospect Lake are subject to bylaws and regulations. The Saanich Police patrol the lake through the summer to ensure compliance. Citizens are encouraged to report violations to the Saanich Police.

Alcohol consumption, disorderly conduct, camping and fires are prohibited (Parks Management and Control Bylaw).

Seasonal Toilets: Seasonal toilets are available at Whitehead Park and at the Echo Drive boat launch.

Dogs: Dogs must be under effective control at all times and on a leash within 10m (32.8’) of play equipment. Dogs are prohibited in Whitehead Park May 1 – August 31 (Animals Bylaw, 2004).

Noise: No person shall make noise that disturbs the quiet peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or persons in the vicinity (Noise Bylaw).

Vehicles:  No motorcycles or cars are allowed in parks except on roadways (Parks Management and Control Bylaw).

Help us Maintain the Health and Vitality of Prospect Lake

Prospect Lake is an environmental and recreational treasure for those who call it home, and the larger Saanich community. It covers approximately 89 ha (220 acres), has an island and a series of natural bays. It has long been a popular fishing destination, and is stocked with about 1,000 – 5,000 Rainbow trout annually.

Prospect Lake has high nutrient levels periodically (especially phosphorus), which can cause algal blooms, heavy weed growth, lowered oxygen levels and reduced habitat capabilities.  Roughly 1/3 of these nutrients come from watershed-streams, 1/3 from septic fields, and 1/3 from decomposing vegetation.

It has an average depth of 6m (20’) which drops .5 - .8m (20-30“) from May-October, and rises .6 - .9m (24-36”) in the rainy season. Natural springs in the lake help ameliorate the dry season loss. Depth helps to lower temperature and inhibit algal blooms.

The quality of the lake’s water depends of the health of its watershed, and all property owners within the watershed effect it. Common sources of excess phosphorus are septic fields, farm waste, fertilizer, and detergent. Residents can help to protect the lake by using phosphate-free soaps, and alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides. Proper installation and maintenance of septic systems is also important, and adding peat to garden beds, especially on the lake-side of septic fields, is recommended. To learn more about septic systems, or to find a qualified person to help you, refer to the CRD 'Septic Savvy' website.

Protecting and planting native trees and shrubs will also improve water quality and the area’s ecological value. Removing invasive plants such as yellow-flag iris and golden willow assists native plants and animals to regain ground. Look into the 'Saanich Pulling Together Program' to learn about volunteer invasive plant removal efforts around the lake.

Prospect Lake Preservation Society

Established in 2008, the PLPS has worked to improve the lake’s biological health, reduce invasive species (bull frogs, golden willow, Eurasion Milfoil), promote safe lake recreation, improve community lake access, and improve communication within the community.

Protect Sensitive Habitat

• Proceed slowly in shallow waters.
• Do not disturb wildlife.
• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation.
• Minimize your boat wake – it can lead to shore line erosion.
• Do not throw trash or cigarette butts overboard – plastic is deadly to fish and birds. Do not throw fish waste overboard.

More information at Saanich Environmental Services  http://www.saanich.ca/living/natural/.  Brochure produced with financial support from the PLPS, and input from the PLDCA and PLPS.