The Canadian Coast Guard officially opened its seasonal search and rescue station in Gimli, Manitoba, on May 20, 2026, marking the start of the recreational boating season on Lake Winnipeg.
The station serves as a critical safety hub for the sixth-largest freshwater lake in Canada. It provides essential services including search and rescue operations, marine incident response, prevention activities, and navigational aid support. The facility is the home port for the CCGS Vakta, the only Coast Guard vessel on the lake and the largest vessel operating on its waters.
Operating out of the Gimli Harbour Authority grounds, the station supports a busy maritime community. The harbour serves as the largest facility of its kind in Western Canada between Ontario and the Pacific Coast, providing space for up to 200 pleasure crafts and supporting more than 50 local commercial fishing families.
As boaters head out for the season, officials are reminding the public that waterways remain very cold this time of year. Because water temperatures take much longer to rise than air temperatures, the Coast Guard urges everyone to prioritize safety while on the water. Boaters are also encouraged to review the Safe Boating Guide produced by Transport Canada before heading out.
The continued operation of the Gimli station follows a period of uncertainty in 2017, when the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees announced that federal authorities intended to end services on Lake Winnipeg and other local waterways. Following significant pressure from local communities, the provincial government, and members of Parliament such as James Bezan, the federal government reversed the decision and committed to maintaining and increasing search and rescue capacity in the region.
Emergencies on the water can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling the toll-free number 1-800-267-7270.
