January 28 - Ontario Parks installed armour stone on the north shore of the Shabomeka Lake Dam.  Installation was at the sole direction and expense of Ontario Parks.  Parks chose to carry out this work at this time due to ongoing activity at the site that provided for favourable construction conditions.  Concurrent works at the site has led to some confusion regarding who directed the barrier to be built.  Any questions regarding the armour stone barrier on the north shore should be directed to Ontario Parks - Bon Echo Park.

Background

The Shabomeka Lake Dam has been the subject of several geotechnical and structural reports since the last rehabilitation in 1989. In 2019, a Class EA was completed that recommended reconstructing the concrete control structure and rehabilitating the two adjacent earth embankments.

Phase 1

Due to scheduling and material limitations, the MVCA will be adopting a phased construction approach for this project. The first phase will correct the highest risk deficiencies, as identified in past studies. The earth embankments will be rehabilitated through the installation of a soil-cement-bentonite cut-off wall, riprap protection and crest heightening. In addition, the north embankment will have an emergency overflow spillway installed. At the end of the work, all soils will be stabilized, and the site will be restored to its original condition. By completing the work in the fall, we will be able to return to seasonal water levels in the spring. 

Access to the north shore will be provided downstream of the worksite for the duration of the project. 

Tender Results

In September 2021, the updated project was tendered for construction. The tender results are provided below:

MVCA CONTRACT NO. 2021-03 - October 1, 2021

The contract has been awarded to Louis W. Bray Construction Limited.

Project Schedule

Work will take place Monday-Saturday from January 10^th-21^st as the contractor installs the cement bentonite cutoff wall in the earth embankments.  The north shore access may be limited during daylight hours.

The rehabilitated earth embankments will increase the resiliency during extreme water conditions and protect the lake in a changing climate.  The associated inconveniences will pay dividends to all stakeholders for many years into the future.

Thank you for your patience and support as we complete this important project!

Project Contacts