Whites Portage Dam Replacement - Public Comment Period for the Detailed Impact Assessment

Parks Canada must decide whether the proposed project – Whites Portage Dam Replacement - located along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Parks Canada will be assessing this project using a Detailed Impact Assessment (DIA).

To help inform this decision, Parks Canada is issuing this notice of intent to make a determination and invites comments from the public on the project's potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information on the public nature of your comments, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website. Additional information can be found on the Registry website at: https://aeic-iaac.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/84147?culture=en-CA

In order to submit comments or request a copy of the draft Detailed Impact Assessment report, contact:

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site
P.O. Box 567
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 6Z6
Telephone: 705-750-4900 or 1-888-773-8888
Email: trentsevern@pc.gc.ca - please include "Whites Portage Dam" in the subject line

Comments on the draft Detailed Impact Assessment report must be submitted by February 20, 2023.

Project Summary: The project is a complete replacement of the dam. The scope of work includes 2-phased reconstruction of the existing structure. Project activities include, but are not limited to, replacement of the dam complete with abutments, sluices, new stop logs, new machinery, new decks, operator safety features, railing for public safety, landscape and embankment works, commissioning, demolition of the old dam and site restoration. The dam is to be built in two phases and will last 2 years.

Due to the discharge impediment caused by the presence of bedrock outcrop along the downstream shore, excavation and removal of rock, which will maximize the discharge capacity of the Six Mile Lake system and reduce the risk of flooding during extreme events, will be undertaken. Rock removal may result in some appearance changes and outcrop access to the falls.

Scope of Assessment: The Detailed Impact Assessment will assess the impacts of the project on the following valued components: species at risk and their critical habitat; fish and fish habitat; vegetation; wildlife; cultural and archaeological resources; recreation; landscape and landforms.

More Information: This work is part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented investment to support infrastructure work for heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. These historic investments will mitigate health and safety risks, halt the loss of nationally significant built heritage, and stimulate the economy in communities across the country.

For up-to-date news on Parks Canada infrastructure work in this community, please visit pc.gc.ca/tswSevernGravenhurst. 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.