Work is expected to begin this month on the Red Pine Lake Dam, downstream of Kennisis Lake.
Parks Canada said July 29 it is advancing on-site work to replace the dam. The dam was originally built prior to 1878, and has seen many changes and improvements over the years.
The current timber crib dam, constructed downstream of Kennisis Lake, has a wooden deck with one sluice measuring 5.2m wide.
“Engineering inspections in recent years have identified the declining condition of the Red Pine Lake Dam. The wood structure has outlived its normal expected service life and will be replaced,” Parks Canada said.
The new dam has been designed with two sluices spanning the same width, and its longevity will be increased by utilizing concrete construction with a metal deck. The new dam’s location will be 14m upstream of the current dam as a result of more favorable bedrock conditions in that location.
Access to the dam is by water only.
“This adds a challenging element to modern construction. To facilitate reliable construction, sections of the upstream river will be dredged to allow access for a construction barge to and from the site. In an effort to minimize costs, environmental impact and public interruptions, the project will be accessed via West Shore Road,” Parks Canada said.
It said contractors are expected to start in August the work will span three calendar years. There will be little to no work over the winter due to the reduced accessibility of the site. The expected timeline is as follows:
• 2021: construction will be mainly ancillary to the dam which will consist of dredging, cofferdam and bypass channel installation, the transportation of material and site setup.
• 2022: construction of the dam at the site.
• 2023: continued construction followed by full restoration and demobilization.
For questions or concerns, or to receive email updates regarding this project, contact pc.trentsevern.pc@canada.ca and include “Red Pine Lake Dam” in the subject heading. For more information about this infrastructure project, as well as questions and answers, visit pc.gc.ca/tswHaliburton.
