Questions and Answers - Drag Lake Dam South Replacement

A. The Drag Lake Dams are an integral part of the water management system of the Trent-Severn Waterway. As part of the historic program of investment into the infrastructure supporting the Trent-Severn Waterway, Parks Canada is undertaking a major rehabilitation and replacement of the dams at the outflow of Drag Lake. At this location, there is a north and south concrete dam with extended concrete wingwalls branching off from the two structures.

Originally, Drag Lake Dam South was intended to be a major rehabilitation project along with the Drag Lake Dam North project. During the work on the north dam, further assessments were completed on the south dam which uncovered a higher level of deterioration than originally expected. These factors indicated that the dam is at, or nearing, the end of its normal expected service life, and requires a major intervention. Thus, the construction plan for the Drag Lake Dam South was revised from a major rehabilitation to a full replacement.

A. The assessment of the north dam’s structural condition identified that the core of the concrete structure was in good condition with only peripheral deterioration of the concrete. Therefore, the north dam could be rehabilitated and safety elements added to extend its service life significantly, without having to replace it. During the work on the north dam, further assessments were completed on the south dam which uncovered a higher level of deterioration than originally expected. Due to this, Parks Canada completed further inspections on the south dam which determined that the approach to the work required on the south dam should be adjusted to a full replacement.

A. The structures that make up the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, including the dams, locks and bridges, are historic and complex assets. Originally, Drag Lake Dam South was intended to be a major rehabilitation project along with the Drag Lake Dam North project. During the work on the north dam, further assessments were completed on the south uncovering a higher level of deterioration than originally expected. In order to effectively incorporate this new information, a complete review of the south dam was undertaken which led to defining the need to increase capacity to meet the current design criteria. Following this, the structure was redesigned and subsequently tendered which caused the delay.

These projects are managed using established program delivery practices to ensure quality work and value for Canadians. With heritage structures and such major required work, as is the case with the Drag Lake Dams, it is not uncommon for these projects to change.

A. Parks Canada have made every effort to plan a project that reduces impact on residents. Since project commencement in August, the contractor was instructed to work within the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and Saturdays as necessary. Recent high water levels on the Trent-Severn Waterway led to a work stoppage to accommodate the movement of water through the system. Work is back underway. However, due to the stoppage, the contractor will commence work on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. beginning on November 6th, 2021 until the end of February 2022 in order to maintain project timelines. Work on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. can also be expected during this timeframe on an as-needed basis. Residents can expect construction noise and traffic during this time as this is unavoidable in a project of this size. However, it is expected to be restricted to daytime hours and will respect local by-laws, unless otherwise notified.