The province plans to rehabilitate 10 dams in Northern Ontario, Parry Sound and Muskoka over the next four years.
On Dec. 18, the province announced $75 million for the continuation of a program first begun in 2023 to restore its infrastructure.
In a news release, the province said the work would extend the useful service life of each dam for up to 100 years, noting the importance of continuing to meet provincial standards.
No details were provided on the extent of the work, or an estimated timeline for the start of construction.
“Properly maintained dam infrastructure is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities and the surrounding environment,” Natural Resources Minister Graydon Smith said in the release.
“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 list of dams being rehabilitated include:
- Baysville Dam in the Township of Lake of Bays (Muskoka District);
- Frood Lake Dam in the Township of Espanola (Sudbury District);
- Forest Lake Dam in Smellie Township (Kenora District);
- Gooseneck Lake Dam in the Municipality of Whitestone (Parry Sound District);
- Huntsville Dam in the Town of Huntsville (Muskoka District);
- Hurdman Dam in the Town of Mattawa (Nipissing District);
- Lang Lake Dam in the Township of Espanola (Sudbury District);
- Shaw Lake Dam in the Municipality of Huron Shores (Algoma District);
- Whitefish Lake Dam in the Township of Lismore (Thunder Bay District); and
- Wagita Concrete Dam in the Township of Atikokan (Rainy River District).
The province said the work stems from recommendations from the Auditor General.
