Project Background

MVCA has completed a Dam Safety Review (DSR) for the Lanark Dam, located in the Township of Lanark Highlands on the Clyde River. The review was conducted in accordance with the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) dam safety guidelines and best practices, as outlined in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ technical bulletins under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. The project is funded through the provincial Water Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) Program.

Project Scope

The review identified high-risk activities that require attention to ensure public safety. These include the installation of key safety measures such as a new safety boom, signs, and fencing. The scope of work is outlined below:

• Safety Boom Installation: A new year-round public safety boom and ice engineered boom anchors will be installed on the upstream side of the Lanark Dam. The boom will meet the recommendations of the Technical Bulletin: Booms and Buoys for Public Safety Around Dams (CDA, 2011).
• Signage: New warning signs will be installed at the boom anchors, on the upstream face of the dam, and on the upstream side of the Mill Street bridge, located north of the dam. The new signs will inform the public about the potential hazards associated with the dam and comply with the Best Management Practises for Public Safety Around Dams (MNR, 2011)
• Fencing: New fencing, with appropriate signage, will be installed on the east and west embankments to restrict unauthorized access to the control structure. The fencing will meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

Current Status

MVCA has engaged a consultant to complete the detailed design of public safety measures. The design phase is anticipated to be finalized by summer, positioning the project to be shovel-ready for construction in fall 2025.