Responsibilities are shared between the City of St. Albert, Melcor Developments, and the JLHOA. See the maintenance map on our website.  

https://jensenlakeshoa.ca/about-jlhoa/community-maps/

Private walkways are shared community amenities and cannot safely support heavy loads or constant stress, and access can disrupt neighboring properties. For these reasons, access is strictly limited.

Requests may be submitted for review; however, approval is not guaranteed and is granted only when the work can be completed without unreasonable risk to the walkway or surrounding neighbouring properties.

To submit a request, email info@jensenlakeshoa.ca with:

• Property address
• Type and scope of work
• Location and intended path of travel
• Equipment involved
• Timeline and any relevant details

All requests are evaluated case by case to protect shared infrastructure and minimize disruption to residents accessing the shared amenity. 

If a request is approved, a $7,000 damage‑deposit cheque is required. The deposit will only be cashed if damage occurs to the private walkway or neighbouring properties. 

No. The JLHOA is not responsible for the maintenance of lake shore docks. Ownership and upkeep of these private docks is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Any questions regarding dock servicing or maintenance, please contact the JLHOA office. We can provide information on any relevant service contracts currently in use.

The lake reopens for swimming and recreational use once spring temperatures allow the water to warm to safe temperatures. Air warms quickly, but a large body of water such as our 22‑acre lake takes longer to reach recommended swimming temperatures. Cold water increases the risk of shock, loss of coordination, and hypothermia, so conditions are monitored daily.

• Lake access opens once water temperatures consistently reach 16°C or higher.
• The lake will close for the season when temperatures fall to 16°C or below, or when conditions no longer support safe activity.

The JLHOA prioritizes environmentally responsible practices during winter operations. To protect the lake and surrounding pathways, salt and chemical use is minimized in favor of sand or eco-friendly de-icing materials. 

JLHOA follows best practices to minimize salt and chemical use near the lake, prioritizing sand or eco-friendly materials for de-icing. Snow is cleared using equipment that avoids excessive wear on the shoreline or pathways. 

The JLHOA carries out a wide range of seasonal maintenance tasks to protect the health, safety, and usability of the 22‑acre lake. During the summer months, our operational work includes:

Water Treatments:

We apply Muckpuck Biotics and MetaFloc throughout the season to help manage algae and vegetation growth. These treatments support water clarity and overall lake health. For full details, please refer to our Water Treatment Policy. 

Algae and Vegetation Management:

Algae and vegetation naturally occur in healthy lakes, but controlling overgrowth is an ongoing challenge. From May through September, JLHOA staff and our contractors at Erosion Control work continuously to remove excess algae and vegetation.

Residents may notice temporary piles of dried algae or vegetation along the rockwall perimeter—this is part of the collection and removal process.

Because algae can accumulate in coves within a single day, resident reports are extremely helpful. If you notice significant buildup, please email parks@jensenlakeshoa.ca with a photo and location.

Environmentally Safe and Approved Chemicals:

The JLHOA uses only carefully reviewed, minimal, and approved chemicals on park and lake grounds. This includes limited cleaning supplies and lawn‑care products.

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are used sparingly, as even small amounts can significantly impact water quality. All products are reviewed by our contracted biologists to ensure they meet environmental safety standards and protect the long‑term health of the lake.

Yes, leeches are found in Jensen Lakes and play an important role in the lakes ecosystem. For any concerns regarding leeches please notify JLHOA staff or email: info@jensenlakeshoa.ca

Swimmer’s itch can occur in Jensen Lakes—just like many other lakes across Alberta. While it cannot be entirely prevented, the JLHOA takes proactive steps to help reduce the likelihood of outbreaks. One of our key measures is the use of bird deterrents, regular water testing, and prioritizing the cleanliness of the shoreline / swimming area. The JLHOA strongly encourages following the recommendations below: 

• Apply waterproof sunscreen or a water-resistant lotion before entering the water—it not only protects the skin from the sun but can also act as a barrier for your skin.

**Please note, the skin of children can be more sensitive than the skin of adults, resulting in them being more prone to rashes, hives, etc.

• Rinse or shower immediately after swimming—use our JLHOA rinse station and towel off thoroughly.
• Keep our beach clean—please use our designated garbage and recycling bins to help maintain our beautiful community and to not attract wildlife.

If you feel you may have contracted swimmers itch at Jensen Lake please contact us at info@jensenlakeshoa.ca so we can track reported cases to report to our biologists.

It’s important to note that over time the lake will never be completely free of vegetation as the lake has gradually evolved into its own natural ecosystem. Some vegetation is not only expected, but necessary to support water health and biodiversity. The JLHOA does not aim to eliminate vegetation entirely—as doing so would disrupt the lake’s ecological balance. 

Since Jensen Lake is private property, the JLHOA has the ability to maintain its water quality with the collaboration of contracted biologists. Some vegetation control strategies include manual weed / algae removal and water treatments. These efforts are always ongoing by the operations team and are typically conducted as early as May and continues throughout the season until September.

Yes, the JLHOA consults with a team of biologists who test the water. Our partners are Enviromak which provide an annual limnological report and typically conduct a comprehensive water testing on a quarterly basis. We also partner with Smoky Trout Farm, and submit our own water testing in the summer months to ensure overall lake health.

That means our aeration system is actively circulating the water to increase oxygen levels, improve water quality, and support a healthy environment for fish and aquatic life. The movement can sometimes resemble a whirlpool, especially near the aerator.

For safety reasons, we recommend keeping a safe distance from the aerator while it’s operating. The circulating water can create unexpected currents and reduced visibility. The aerator is typically turned on outside of operating hours to ensure no disruption to resident activity.