The provincial government is investing over $75 million to rehabilitate and extend the life of 10 dams across the province.
The work will take place over the next four years, and the province says it could extend the service life of each dam by 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 the Minister of Natural Resources, Graydon Smith. “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.”
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 (Northwestern Ontario)
- 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 (Northwestern Ontario)
- Wagita Concrete Dam in the Township of Atikokan (Northwestern Ontario)
In 2023 the province provided funding to rehabilitate six dams which are currently in the repair process.
These additional 10 projects are the next steps in the government’s plans to improve provincial dam infrastructure.
The funding was given in response to past recommendations made by the Auditor General.
The Ministry of Natural Resources operates and maintains 310 dams in the province.
