Chain of Lakes Canal-deepening is Priority

Posted by Bob Gernert on July 16, 2008 at 3:57 pm

Today’s News Chief (July 16, 2008) contains a news brief noting that the Lake Region Lakes Management Commissioners will hear a proposal from Commission Executive Director Roger Griffiths to undertake a program to deepen the Chain of Lakes canal system by two feet. In an email exchange with Griffith he describes the plan as a concept that will require engineering study to determine if it can be successfully done. The process under consideration would leave the present canal walls in place and use a different system to extend new retaining structures deeper. The process would have the least impact on current lawns and landscaping along the Chain’s canal banks.

The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors conducted their annual planning retreat on July 11 and 12. Among the priorities established was a recommendation to determine the feasibility of deepening the canals to lessen the problems associated during times of drought. This interest followed similar discussions at the City of Winter Haven’s planning retreat in May. Deepening the canals is obviously a goal whose time has come.

The Chamber of Commerce strongly endorses the concept of deepening the Chain of Lakes canals for year -round use. We urge consideration of all viable technologies to accomplish this goal in a cost effective manner. The Chain of Lakes are Winter Haven’s most unique asset and our citizens underscored their dedication to our lake-centered environment during the 1999-2000 community visioning project.

The Chamber pledges its support to work with both the Canal Commission and City of Winter Haven to make deeper canals and the resulting year-round enjoyment of our Chain of Lakes a reality. There are no quick fix or overnight solutions but with vision and determination, we can make drought less of a factor.

A project of this magnitude requires a commitment of resources and funding to become a reality. Please let the Lake Region Lakes Managment Commissioners know of your support through comments here and emails as follows:

Commissioner Steve Enzor
Commissioner Matt Kaylor
Commissioner Betsey Schemmer

WHYPG

See other entries filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Perspective, Tourism

REMARKS   7 Total remarks on this post. Add your own remarks below

  • July 16th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
    rennie heath

    i was on the Commission for 2 terms (8 years) and everytime this was brought up I was told that the old sides of the canal would cave in if they were dug any deeper. if there is a product that could be used instead of removing these sheets then i think the Commission should throughly investigate it. It makes sense to me that this should be a priorty of the Commission. If money is the determining factor then I would be willing to help in acquiring funds from other sources. This a very important asset to Winter Haven and needs attention. We may be in a drought condition for several years.

  • July 17th, 2008 at 6:19 am
    Don Graves

    I agree that if there is a system which would deepen the canals that it should be considered. If the Chain is to be considered for the attraction of tourism, it needs to be useable. The Chain has mostly been unuseable for larger craft for a long time during the current drought. Also water levels for the chain should be maintained at a higher level. There continues to be run off from the southern end of Lake Lulu even now, while lake levels are below desired minimum.

  • July 17th, 2008 at 11:02 am
    life on the lake!

    I would love to see a solution to the un-navigable canals and lakes! I live on Lake Mirror and have been land locked for some time now. I miss being able to jump in the boat and head out for lunch or dinner! My only fear is that they would consider closing up some of the canals that seem to be attached to the smaller lakes like the one I live on. The year we bought the house on the lake , my family enjoyed the Christmas boat parade…the next year someone changed the route away from some of the smaller lakes that don’t seem to count. :( We were very disappointed. So please consider making all the lakes navigable…not closing up any.

  • July 17th, 2008 at 11:17 am
    Bob Gernert

    Life on the Lake,

    There will be no attempt to exclude lakes regardless of size. The decision you describe that moved the boat parade off Lake Mirror was not made due to lake size but due to the difficult Cannon/Mirror Canal. That canal is among the most difficult on the Chain due to it being so narrow and the bridge very low. Of course for the past two years, water levels have made that canal impossible. Hopefully a strategic plan for the entire Chain can be developed and that canal and bridge improved for both boat and auto traffic. Thanks for your input.

  • July 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
    David Kaylor

    I can only wonder how many canals could have been made navigable with the funds that have been wasted on that ridiculous lock system.
    Over a million dollars, thousands of hours in labor, several years in the making…zero boat crossings through the locks.
    The chain defines our city. Canal Commissioner Matthew Kaylor understands this and tried months ago to draw attention to this issue. With Chamber and City support he should hopefully now have more success.

  • July 18th, 2008 at 8:09 am
    BK

    Should the city approve the dirt-spreader that would stabilize the walls, I’ll happily bring my shovel and help you start digging!

    Our canals are vital to our city’s identity–let’s do all we can to save them.

  • August 5th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
    Wayne Gray

    Hi to all.
    I have recently brought my family to Winter Haven from England and live on the south shore of Lake Hamilton. Although we are not yet part of the chain, I believe talk has taken place to add this 2200 acre lake to the chain. Can anyone verify this? I have lived here for 4 years and I am looking for closure on this point.
    I have traveled the chain and agree that it is a task to navigate the canals in anything other than a jetski these days.
    I came to Polk county to find waterfront living alongside countryside values.
    If my view is at all valuable, I would like to see the canal deepened as the canal has purpose, I believe this is a part of polk counties appeal to all others.
    If a solution to the restricted access can be brought to the table without destroying the landscaping and natural beauty, then I am all for the work.

    Sincerely

    Wayne

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