Reconstruction of aging dams will help protect communities and surrounding environment

Ontario Construction News staff writer More than $22 million has been announced to reconstruct six dams across the province to help mitigate flooding and keep people and communities safe. “Our government is taking action to ensure we have infrastructure in place to protect people and communities across Ontario,” said Graydon Smith, minister of natural resources and forestry. “With this investment, we will be able to ensure these dams continue to meet provincial standards and prevent significant environmental, financial and public safety issues associated with dam failure.”

The six dams being remediated are:

• Agimak Lake Dam in the Township of Ignace
• Manitou River Dam on Manitoulin Island
• Baptiste Lake Dam in the Municipality of Hastings Highlands
• Kashegaba Lake Dam in the Municipality of Whitestone
• Lyndhurst Dam in the Village of Lyndhurst
• Magnetawan Lake Dams in the Village of Magnetawan

The rehabilitation of the six dams will extend the useful service life of each for up to 100 years.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of a strong and healthy economy. Over the next decade, Ontario will invest over $185 billion in critical infrastructure projects to secure a high-quality life for future generations,” said infrastructure minister Kinga Surma.” As the province’s population grows, our government continues to build essential infrastructure to keep people safe and strengthen Ontario communities.”

Reconstruction of these six dams has been included in the ministry’s long-term infrastructure plan as critical priorities to support public safety and the environment.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 310 dams across the province.

“The investment announced today by the Government of Ontario to extend the life of six major dams will limit flood risk throughout Ontario for nearly 100 years to come,” said Dr. Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, University of Waterloo. “With the growing challenge of increasingly severe rainfall events, these dams will help many homeowners avoid the financial and social burden of flooding.”