Whites Portage Dam Replacement Construction Update

July 13, 2023 - Peterborough, ON – Construction crews have mobilized to site to begin construction on the Whites Portage Dam located at White’s Falls on County Road 34. The site will be temporarily closed to the public until the end of the construction period.

The 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. The project's scope is to completely replace the current dam with a new one in the same location and orientation.

As the construction phase begins, residents and visitors can expect to see the following:

• Signage installation on local and regional roads advising of upcoming work and the closure of public access to White’s Falls.
• Fencing installation to enclose the site.
• Preparation of staging area for construction crews and the arrival of heavy equipment.

PLEASE NOTE: County Road 34 will remain open to traffic during the construction period.

In-water construction work is expected to begin after the fish spawning window has closed in the middle of July and will continue for the next two years.

White’s Falls, which cascades below the dam, is a popular destination for canoes, kayaks, swimmers and sight-seers. Given that the construction area will encompass the entire White’s Falls area, public access to the Falls will be closed throughout the construction period.

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.

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