Community Update: Upcoming Dam Replacements

Dam 24 aerial view

September 17, 2018 – This fall, Parks Canada will be replacing the dams at Otonabee Lock 23 and Douro Lock 24. Both dam replacements, which will improve water management capability for the Otonobee River section of the Trent-Severn Waterway and replace aging infrastructure, are expected to be completed in early 2021. 

In preparation for the upcoming work, residents can expect to see consultants undertaking archaeological assessments and the contractor upgrading access routes to the dams. Work on each dam will entail full demolition and reconstruction. 

A Detailed Impact Assessment (DIA) that outlines the potential environmental impacts of these projects and proposed mitigation measures, is now complete for the Douro Lock 24 dam. The DIA will be made available for public comment or feedback until October 10. The DIA for the Otonabee Lock 23 dam will be made available in the coming weeks. To review either of these assessments, please email us at Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca, with the subject line “Otonabee River Dams DIA”. 

The replacement of the dams at Otonabee Lock 23 and Douro Lock 24 are part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented $3 billion dollar investment over 5 years to support infrastructure work to 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 More Information: 

For up-to-date news about Parks Canada infrastructure work in this area, please visit our website at: www.pc.gc.ca/tswInfrastructure. If you have questions about these projects or would like to join our community engagement list to receive updates, please email us at: Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Otonabee River Dams” in the subject heading.