Excavator Finally Retrieved from Saskatchewan Lake After 11 Years

Efforts to remove an excavator that became an unexpected landmark in east-central Saskatchewan have finally succeeded after 11 years. The heavy machinery was retrieved from Quill Lakes, situated north of Regina, following extensive planning and multiple attempts by various operators.

The excavator originally fell through the ice in March 2014 during a highway project. According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, the incident occurred when the operator attempted to traverse the frozen lake. Fortunately, no environmental damage was reported, and the ministry was not involved in the recovery operation since no discharge had taken place.

As the years passed, the excavator remained submerged and transformed into a curious monument, even noted on Google as a historical landmark. Locals and visitors shared humorous reviews online, with comments such as, “An important part of our Canadian heritage,” alongside playful remarks about the machine’s fate.

“They said it couldn’t be done,” remarked Lance Lund, owner of Raptor Picker Services and Hotshots, who led the operation to finally remove the excavator. Lund expressed pride in his team’s efforts, stating, “It was a challenge, 100 percent, but we worked as a team and had a pile of support.”

The reeve of Big Quill, Howie Linnen, noted that the excavator attracted attention from passersby on the nearby highway. He stated, “There was very little said to us. Nobody lodged a complaint, but (the removal) is good for the environment, so it’s a win-win for everybody.”

The Quill Lakes area is recognized for its ecological significance, especially as a habitat for various shorebirds. Jason Friesen, reeve for the Rural Municipality of Lakeside, acknowledged the excavator’s allure, saying it drew visitors despite the concerns regarding its prolonged presence in the lake. “It wasn’t good to leave it in there that long, but, under the circumstances, it was the best they could do,” he added.

Over the years, multiple operators attempted to recover the excavator but faced challenges that hindered success. Lund first learned of the difficulties online and noted that a bounty had even been offered for its removal. He recalled, “We’ve pulled cats out of the ice before — nothing to this extent — but we put a plan together and all worked as one.”

In June, the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency granted a permit for the retrieval operation. Lund’s team mobilized in July, employing a pulley system to lift the excavator onto mats. The operation involved various pieces of equipment, including bed trucks and track hoes.

While oil leaked from the machine during retrieval, Lund assured that the team managed to contain it effectively. He reported that the excavator was successfully transported to his shop in Lloydminster, a city straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary.

Lund is currently negotiating details regarding the excavator’s future, noting that payment terms for its removal remain confidential. He pointed out that some individuals have expressed disappointment over the removal of what they considered a landmark, stating, “A lot of people don’t believe it, but we actually saw quite a few of them washing up on shore when we were pulling it out.”

This report has been informed by information from The Canadian Press, originally published on August 31, 2025. The successful operation not only underscores the collaborative efforts of local businesses but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of the Quill Lakes area.