Project Background

The Kashwakamak Lake Dam replacement is MVCA’s priority capital infrastructure project. Built over 100 years ago, the dam has reached the end of its useful lifespan. A Dam Safety Review (DSR) completed for the structure in 2022 confirmed the urgent need for its replacement within the next five years. In the same year, MVCA secured funding for the replacement through Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

A Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) was then completed in 2023-2024 for the project, identifying the preferred replacement alternative based on cost, safety, environmental considerations, operational requirements, and service life. The Class EA followed the process outlined in Conservation Ontario’s Class EA for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects under the Environmental Assessment Act. The assessment included a baseline inventory of existing conditions, identified alternative technical solutions, and developed environmental mitigation measures for the preferred alternative, which was the replacement of the dam at its current location.

Project Scope

The project will be completed in compliance with all applicable design and safety standards, including, but not limited to the National Building Code of Canada, Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines, and best practices summarized in technical bulletins of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Lakes and Rivers Improvements Act (LRIA).

The new dam will be designed and constructed to meet updated Inflow Design Flood criteria and Hazard Potential Classification. The project will integrate climate change considerations into the design, ensuring that the new structure provides crucial flood protection and mitigation for local communities, residents, businesses, and the surrounding environment throughout its service life.

The project will proceed with a preliminary and detailed design, permitting, tendering and construction, subject to regulatory approvals and stakeholder feedback. The implementation phase will include rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards and effective mitigation of potential impacts.

Current Status

In May 2025 MVCA retained CIMA+ to complete the Design-Bid-Build process for the replacement of the Kashwakamak Lake Dam. The design phase is expected to be completed in 2026. The construction start date is anticipated in 2026-2027 but will be confirmed once all necessary permits are in place. This site will be updated if timelines change. In the meantime, MVCA will continue to engage with project stakeholders, including local residents, the lake association, and First Nation communities, to discuss project progress as needed.