Info-work: Whites Portage Dam Rehabilitation

December 2, 2022 - Peterborough, ON – For the last seven years, the Trent-Severn Waterway has undertaken a large infrastructure renewal program on its locks, bridges and dams. Recently, funding has been allocated to advance work on the Whites Portage Dam located on Whites Fall Road (County Road 34).

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 dam presently consists of four sluices with timber stop logs that are operated by a hydraulic log lifter.

The proposed project's scope is to completely replace the current dam with a new one in the same location and orientation. This work is expected to begin in early 2023 and end in 2025. In addition, a portion of the rock outcrop on Parks Canada administered lands below the west-side sluices will be removed in order to reduce flooding risk as it currently impedes the discharge capacity of the dam.

Whites Falls, which cascades below the dam, is a popular destination for canoes, kayaks, swimmers and sight-seers. Given that this area is a popular attraction for local residents and visitors alike, signage will be posted throughout the construction period and afterwards, informing the public to be aware of changes to the site. The rendering below shows the current orientation (left) and the new orientation (right) of the falls.

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 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.