Community Update: Coboconk Dam Rehabilitation

The Government of Canada has announced more than $615 million of work on infrastructure across the Trent-Severn Waterway and its reservoir lakes. As a part of this historic re-investment, major work to rehabilitate the Coboconk Dam is due to begin early next spring. The construction contract for this project has been awarded to Construction Demathieu & Bard (CDB). Rehabilitation of the dam will be completed in multiple phases over 2019 and spring of 2020, beginning on the East side, in order to allow for ongoing water management. Some activities may occur this fall and over the winter in preparation for the 2019 construction season.

Dams play an integral role in water management within the Trent-Severn system and therefore are essential for public safety. The Coboconk Dam rehabilitation project will involve the replacement of the concrete deck and repairs to the dam’s structure, as well as the replacement of guard railings. Overall, this rehabilitation project will ensure that the dam is reliable, functional, meets current safety codes and standards, and that its water management capabilities are optimized.

During construction, intermittent machinery noise and increased truck traffic can be expected as a part of the project. Flaggers will be provided for short duration lane closures. Water management capabilities and water levels will not be affected during the course of construction. Sluices not normally in full operation may be utilized in order to facilitate construction activities. Residents with docks in close proximity to the dam that will be affected by the changed flows will be notified in advance. 

About the Coboconk Dam

The Coboconk Dam was built in 1939. It is located in the cottage community of Coboconk, at the outlet of the Silver and Shadow Lake system leading into Balsam Lake. Silver and Shadow Lakes are a part of the Gull River reservoir system, and this dam is the point where that system meets the Trent-Severn Waterway. Balsam Lake is the highest point on the Trent-Severn Waterway, and the highest freshwater point from which one can circumnavigate the globe in North America.

For More Information:

Updates about this project will be provided via e-mail. To join our communication distribution, or for questions or concerns, , please contact us at Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Coboconk Dam” in the subject heading.

For up-to-date news about this or other infrastructure projects in your area, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/TSWKawarthaLakes.