Townships of Severn and Gravenhurst

Little Chute Dam “G” Rehabilitation

Scope of Work

• Rehabilitation of abutments and wing walls and replacement of deck
• Resurfacing of the nearby parking lot near Lock 45

Status

Pre-Construction Planning, Engagement and Consultation

Project Schedule

The project is scheduled to begin in July 2023, with completion in December 2023.

Latest News

• July 11th, 2023 - Reminder: Extended Lane Closure of Port Severn Road North

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Little Chute Dam G, located in Port Severn, is one of three water control structures owned and operated by Parks Canada in the immediate area. In particular, this dam aids in maintaining water levels on Gloucester Pool and Little Lake. Originally constructed in 1918, the dam regulates Little Lake’s water level and outflow into Georgian Bay.

If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed project or to receive updates, please get in touch with us by email at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Little Chute Dam G” in the subject line.

Whites Portage Dam Replacement

Scope of Work

• Full replacement of the dam
• Increased flow capacity of the dam in order to mitigate flooding
• Increased safety for water management operations
• Increased safety for residents and visitors

Status

Pre-Construction Planning, Engagement and Consultation.

Project Schedule

The project is scheduled to begin in early 2023, with completion in 2025.

Latest News

• July 13, 2023 - Whites Portage Dam Replacement Construction Update
• January 19th, 2023 - Public Comment Period for the Detailed Impact Assessment
• Dec 2, 2022 – Whites Portage Dam Rehabilitation

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Questions and Answers

Whites Portage Dam is the main flood management dam for Six Mile Lake and is one of seven owned and operated by Parks Canada in the area. Originally constructed in 1918, the dam regulates the lake’s water level and outflow into Gloucester Pool.

If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed project or to receive updates, please get in touch with us by email at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Whites Portage Dam” in the subject line.

Lock 42 – Couchiching Rehabilitation

Scope of Work

• Replacement of the lock walls, tunnels, valves and hydraulic system.
• Rehabilitation of the lower approach walls.
• Abilities to perform ongoing maintenance improved through access and design changes.

Status:

Pre-Construction Planning, Engagement and Consultation

Project Schedule

The project is scheduled to begin in March 2023, with the multi-year construction beginning in the fall.

Latest News

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The last lock to be built to complete through-navigation on the Trent-Severn Waterway, construction started in August 1914, but work stopped in 1917 due to wartime shortages. Construction re-commenced in 1919, and the lock was officially opened in July 1920.

If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed project or to receive updates, please get in touch with us by email at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Lock 42 Rehabilitation” in the subject line.

Pretty Channel Dam Access Road Construction

Scope of Work

• Improvements to the existing road section
• Construction of road along the existing snowmobile trail to the Pretty Channel Dam

Status:

Pre-Construction Planning, Engagement and Consultation

Project Schedule

The project is scheduled to begin in 2024.

Latest News

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Originally built in 1916, the Pretty Channel Dam has been identified to be in poor condition and requiring replacement. Access to the dam is via ATV, snowmobile, or by boat. The creation of an access road will provide adequate access for the future construction of a new dam and will allow improved access for water management operations.

If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed project or to receive updates, please get in touch with us by email at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Pretty Channel Access Road” in the subject line.

Hamlet Bridge 57 Replacement | Near Severn Falls, connecting the Townships of Severn and Gravenhurst

The Hamlet Bridge is a combination fixed and swing bridge. The bridges will be replaced will a similar look to respect the historic landscape of the area. The bridges will be raised to reduce immersion of mechanical components during high water events, as well as correct runoff away from the bridge. The road abutments, east pier and bridge operator’s building will be fully replaced, and mechanical and electrical systems will be upgraded.

The Swift Rapids Lock 43 access road (an extension of Carlyon Road in Severn Township) provides seasonal access to both the lock and the hydro facility, as well as providing an access route for trappers, snowmobilers, and some cottages. Parks Canada repaired four bridges on the road; work was completed in late summer 2017. 

August 4, 2017 - Info Work: Access Road to Re-Open (PDF, 117 KB)
June 19, 2017 - Swift Rapids, Lock 43 Access Road Closure (PDF, 118 KB)

Based on assessment and design, the Big Chute Marine Railway Car will be rehabilitated or replaced.

The project scope entails a comprehensive rehabilitation / reconstruction of many of the dams and associated assets within the TSW Northern Sector in the Port Severn Area. The dams include the Port Severn Main Dam, Bayview Dam E, Little Chute Dam G, and Port Severn Blind Dams A, C, and D. Also included within this project are repairs to the Port Severn Fixed Bridge and the Bayview Dam E Bridge.

The project scope entails a comprehensive rehabilitation / reconstruction of dams and associated assets within the Trent-Severn Waterway Northern Sector in the Six Mile Lake region. This includes the two Six Mile Lake Dams, Whites Portage Dam, the Pretty Channel Dams, Hungry Bay Dam, Crooked Bay Dam and Little Go Home Bay Dam. Mechanization is being considered for the Whites Portage and Pretty Channel Dams to further enhance water management capabilities.

July 7, 2017 - Info-Work: Geotechnical Investigation at Six Mile Lake Area Dams (PDF, 114 KB)

Completed Projects