The Ontario government is investing over $75 million to rehabilitate 10 dams across the province to keep people and communities safe.
The construction projects will take place over the next four years and will extend the life of each dam to ensure they continue to meet provincial standards for decades to come. Rehabilitation could extend the useful service life of each dam for up to 100 years.
“Properly maintained dam infrastructure is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities and the surrounding environment,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and Minister of Natural Resources. “That’s why we are being proactive and investing in a stronger Ontario by ensuring dams across the province continue to meet our high standards and operate safely and effectively for many years to come.”
Baysville Dam in the Township of Lake of Bays is one of the dams selected for rehabilitation.
“Our dams along our waterways in Muskoka are a significant tool for the vital work of assisting in the control of our water levels,” Terry Glover, Mayor of the Township of Lake of Bays “Healthy water levels are important for species that make the shoreline their home and inhabit the lakes and rivers. By protecting this balance, we are supporting our vital ecological environment and protecting the economy of Muskoka.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by other mayors in the 705.
“We are so grateful to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the need for dam rehabilitation funding in the Town of Huntsville and our neighbouring municipalities,” says Mayor Nancy Alcock of Huntsville. “Our waterways and water infrastructure in Huntsville and across Muskoka are more important than ever — the timing could not be better for these critical water infrastructure repairs.”
“The Municipality of Whitestone is delighted to learn that the Ministry of Natural Resources has identified the Gooseneck Lake dam in our Municipality for rehabilitation,” says George Comrie, Mayor of Municipality of Whitestone. “This work will ensure that this aging dam remains functional and safe for many years to come. We appreciate the Government of Ontario’s ongoing investment in public infrastructure in our area.”
The 10 dams being rehabilitated are:
Baysville Dam in the Township of Lake of Bays
Frood Lake Dam in the Township of Espanola
Forest Lake Dam in Smellie Township
Gooseneck Lake Dam in the Municipality of Whitestone
Huntsville Dam in the Town of Huntsville
Hurdman Dam in the Town of Mattawa
Lang Lake Dam in the Township of Espanola
Shaw Lake Dam in the Municipality of Huron Shores
Whitefish Lake Dam in the Township of Lismore
Wagita Concrete Dam in the Township of Atikokan
In 2023, the government announced funding to rehabilitate six dams which are currently undergoing repairs and reconstruction. These 10 additional projects represent the next step in the government’s long-term plan to improve dam infrastructure to protect public safety.
This investment is responsive to past recommendations made by the Auditor General and aligns with the province’s commitment to enhance public infrastructure, foster economic growth and strengthen communities across Ontario.
“It’s great to see the Ministry investing in this important infrastructure,” says Jeff Lehman, District Chair of the Municipality of Muskoka. “The two dams in Muskoka are essential to managing flows in our watershed. This announcement will help to modernize the tools needed to adapt to climate change and respond to the ongoing challenges we face here in the District.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 310 dams across the province.
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