Townships of Severn and Gravenhurst
Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site
Site preparation is in progress, and construction tendering is forthcoming. Site preparation started in March 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2024 and continue until Fall 2025. The Six Mile Lake Dam is one of several dams owned and operated by Parks Canada on Six Mile Lake. These dams regulate the water level on Six Mile Lake while providing sufficient discharge to Gloucester Pool below to maintain navigation. Six Mile Lake Dam is a 45-meter-long concrete gravity dam constructed in 1916-17 to replace the original 19th-century timber dam at the site. The dam was rehabilitated in 1958 by constructing a 300-450 mm thick concrete cap on the upstream face to address leaks and undermining. In 2015, repairs were made to the dam’s operable sluiceway due to deterioration. Located approximately 70 m west is another dam, the Six Mile Back Channel Dam or Blind Dam. This 28-meter-long concrete gravity wall dam was originally constructed in 1921 and is a non-regulating structure. There have been no major repairs to this dam since its construction.
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 “Six Mile Lake Dam” in the subject line. Complete Info Board used at February 9th public meeting. 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.
Under Construction The project is scheduled to begin in early 2023, with completion in 2025. Info Board used at February 9th public meeting. 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.Six Mile Lake Dam Replacement
Scope of Work
Status
Project Schedule
Latest News
September 27, 2024 - Community Update: Six Mile Lake Dams Reconstruction
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Little Chute Dam “G” Rehabilitation
Scope of Work
Status
Latest News
Port Severn Dam "G" Little Chute
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Whites Portage Dam Replacement
Scope of Work
Status
Project Schedule
Latest News
Whites Portage Dam Reconstruction
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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 ConsultationLatest News
Lock 42 Couchiching Rehabilitation
Info Board used at February 9th public meeting.
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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 ConsultationProject Schedule
TBDLatest News
Pretty Channel Dam Access Road Construction
Info Board used at February 9th public meeting.
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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.
Swift Rapids Lock Road Bridge Rehabilitation | Near Severn Falls, Township of Gravenhurst
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)
Big Chute Marine Railway Car Rehabilitation or Replacement | Near Severn Falls, Township of Gravenhurst
Based on assessment and design, the Big Chute Marine Railway Car will be rehabilitated or replaced.
Rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of Port Severn Dams and Bridges | Port Severn
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.
Rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of Northern Sector Dams
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
Couchiching Lock 42 – Fixed bridge replacement and concrete rehabilitation
Scope of Work
- Full replacement of the fixed bridge
- Re-facing of the bridge abutments
- Road work on the bridge approaches
- Future concrete repair in the lock chamber
Status:
Active constructionProject Schedule
A completion date is not yet available.Latest News
June 9, 2021 - Info-Work: Temporary Closure for PavingDecember 31, 2020 - Info-Work: Fixed Bridge at Couchiching Lock 42 Open to Vehicles
December 18, 2020 - Community Update: Construction Update
June 11, 2020 - Community Update: Construction Update
April 8, 2020 - Community Update: Construction Update
January 9, 2020 -Info-Work: Bridge Replacement
May 21, 2019 - Info-Work: Geotechnical Work at Couchiching Lock 42
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The fixed bridge at Couchiching Lock 42 was constructed in 1931, and carried Canal Road over the Trent-Severn Waterway directly downstream of the lock. The new bridge – primarily built offsite, and then assembled onsite to mitigate impact to the public - will have a lifespan of approximately 50 years. The load restrictions of the bridge will not change.- Date modified :