A Resolved Incident at IISD Experimental Lakes Area

In the early hours of September 18, 2024, two high-school students from Exchange MET School in Winnipeg, Manitoba were reported missing from IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) while participating in an educational program.

We are very relieved that both of the young people were discovered and returned to their families within 24 hours, thanks to the incredible hard work of the Ontario Provincial Police, with support from Treaty Three Police, Seven Oaks School Division and the IISD-ELA team.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with the two young people, their families, their friends, and with all those affected by this event.

IISD Experimental Lakes Area is a freshwater research facility based in northwestern Ontario, near Kenora. In addition to its research activities, IISD-ELA hosts a wide-range of educational programming which can involve overnight stays for the youth attending.

IISD-ELA gives utmost importance to the health and safety of those who work at and visit the site. This includes, but is not limited to, first aid and extensive safety-related training for its staff, as well as comprehensive contingency plans in the event of an emergency.