Ontario Construction News staff writer
Rebuilding the Kashwakamak Dam, a North Frontenac project that will mitigate the risk of failure and flooding has received about $6 million from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and the federal government’s disaster mitigation and adaptation fund.
“The new dam will be resilient to climate change, enhance our water management program, and provide essential flood and drought protection for local communities, residents, businesses, and the environment throughout its lifespan,” Juraj Cunderlik, director of engineering at the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, said in a statement.
The Mississippi River watershed, located northwest of Kingston, covers 3,750 sq. km. and is home to about 50,000 residents.
A new dam will replace the original structure built in 1910 and is designed to protect the land from floods and droughts, reducing economic losses and disruptions for the community. This project is especially critical as the watershed experiences more frequent and severe weather events due to climate change.
“Helping communities prepare for and withstand the impacts of climate change protects people, homes, businesses, and infrastructure. By investing in a new dam for Kashwakamak Lake, we are partnering with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority to safeguard the lake and surrounding lands from future floods and droughts, ensuring the safety of nearly 50,000 residents,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is committing over $10 million in its 10-year capital plan for infrastructure renewal, with the replacement of the Kashwakamak Lake Dam being the largest project,” stated Paul Kehoe, Chair of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.
“Assessing and prioritizing infrastructure needs is an ongoing effort at MVCA, and we appreciate the significant financial commitment the federal government has made to enable the replacement of this 100-year-old dam,” said Sally McIntyre, general manager of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.
