Community Update: Phase One Complete

 

February 5, 2019 – The first phase of the Bobs Lake Dam project, in which two-thirds of the new dam structure was constructed, is now complete. The final phase of work will begin this spring with substantial completion of the project expected for fall 2019. 

Over the past 6 months, the contractor has excavated and grouted bedrock to form the foundation of the new dam site. This was followed by the construction of two sluices, and dam sections from the south shore extending toward the north shore of the lake. In order to complete this work, the contractor installed two cofferdams, as well as a diversion channel – an operable inlet with log settings much like the existing dam. The operation of the channel was regularly monitored throughout the construction, as water management is of the utmost priority for Parks Canada.       

Near the end of phase one construction and following December’s precipitation, Parks Canada identified a capacity issue with the diversion canal. In response, Parks Canada actively managed the contractor to remedy the situation. The upper and lower cofferdams have now been removed and the area south of the dam has been re-flooded. The required water capacity of the site has been corrected and restored and the old dam will manage water flows until the new dam has been completed, commissioned and the old dam removed. 

With phase one complete, the contractor will now take a break and return to finish the construction of the dam in the spring. Cofferdams for the second phase of work are now in place allowing for an earlier return to site than originally planned. The final phase of dam construction will include the completion of the north wall of the new dam, demolition of the old dam, the remaining remediation work and stream bed rehabilitation to promote fish habitat. 

The replacement of the Bobs Lake Dam is 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.

About Bobs Lake Dam at Bolingbroke 

Dams have existed on Bobs Lake at Bolingbroke since at least 1821. In 1870 the dam site was purchased by the Government of Canada in order to enhance the size of the reservoir for the Northern Sector of the Rideau Canal. In 1871 the dam was significantly increased in size and the volume of water in Bobs Lake was raised considerably. The current dam has been in place since 1930 and has seen several major repairs over the course of its operation. 

For More Information:

For up-to-date news on infrastructure work along the Rideau Canal, please visit our website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/rcInfrastructure. If you would like to be added to our community engagement list to receive updates on this project, please e-mail RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Bobs Lake Dam” in the subject heading.