Community Update: Whites Portage Dam Reconstruction

August 30, 2024 – PETERBOROUGH, ON – Construction is progressing well on the replacement of the Whites Portage Dam with a new dam at the same location and orientation at White’s Falls, on County Road 34.

The Whites Portage Dam is the main flood management dam for Six Mile Lake and is one of seven administered 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 reached a significant milestone earlier this summer with the completion of Phase 1, which involved the demolition and reconstruction of spillways #3 and #4. Phase 2, which includes the demolition and reconstruction of spillways #1 and #2, is now underway.

Completion of Phase 2 is anticipated in early 2025. This will be followed by the removal of the temporary cofferdam structure prior to the fish spawning period in March. Final site grading and restoration activities will continue into the spring months. Parks Canada expects White’s Falls to reopen for public access in the summer of 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: County Road 34 will remain open to traffic during the construction period. Please exercise caution driving through the area and obey all posted signage and flaggers. White’s Falls, which cascades below the dam, is a popular destination for canoes, kayaks, swimmers, and sightseers. Given that the construction area encompasses the entire White’s Falls area, public access to the falls has been closed for the entire construction period.

This work is part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented investment to support 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, continue to protect nationally significant built heritage and stimulate the economy in communities across the country.

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