The Ontario government announced last week that it will be investing $22 million to rehabilitate and reconstruct six dams across the province including the Magnetawan Lake Dams, to help mitigate flooding and keep people and communities safe.
In Almaguin, the work will involve the areas circled in red (dams 2, 3) in the map. The rehabilitation includes anchoring the dams to bedrock and redoing some concrete. The sum being directed towards the rehabilitation of the Magnetawan Lake Dams has not been disclosed, the work is currently going through a competitive procurement process, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
“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:
- Magnetawan Lake Dams in the Village of Magnetawan
- 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
The reconstruction of these six dams has been identified in the ministry’s long-term infrastructure plan as critical priorities to support public safety and the environment.
This investment is responsive to recommendations made by the Auditor General and is part of the province’s priority to invest in public infrastructure improvements supporting the growth of Ontario’s economy and communities now and into the future.
Quick Facts
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 310 dams across the province.
- The rehabilitation of the six dams will extend the useful service life of each for up to 100 years.
Advance video (at the area circled in yellow on the map) submitted of the announcement below:
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
Should have redone the big east river dams maybe we wouldnt have so many floods?
Some money well spent.