Paleolimnological assessment of past hydro-ecological variation at a shallow hardwater lake in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region before potential onset of industrial development

•McClelland Lake and catchment are adjacent to an oil sands mining lease.•Analyses of sediment cores are used to characterize the natural range of variation.•Results reveal dynamic hydroecological conditions during the past ca. 325 years.•Post-1750 is identified as relevant for defining pre-development baselines.•Temporal data from paleolimnological studies can enhance contemporary monitoring.