Investment Aims to Boost Public Safety, Support Jobs and Strengthen Water Infrastructure
Projects Expected to Extend Dam Lifespans by Up to a Century
MALLORYTOWN, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $11.5 million to rehabilitate four aging dams across the province, a move aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting local economies and ensuring long-term reliability of critical water infrastructure.
Announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources on April 17, the funding will support upgrades to dams in northern and rural communities, with construction scheduled over the next four years. The province says the work will extend the service life of each structure by up to 100 years while ensuring compliance with provincial safety standards.
Dams play a vital role in Ontario’s water management system, helping regulate water levels, prevent flooding and support economic activity in resource-dependent regions. The government framed the investment as part of a broader infrastructure strategy tied to both safety and economic development.
“Strong, reliable dams help keep our waterways safe, protecting families and communities,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Through today’s investment, we are upgrading this essential infrastructure so that these dams continue to meet our high standards and operate safely and effectively for many years to come.”
Four Key Projects Identified for Rehabilitation
The funding will be directed toward four specific dam rehabilitation projects:
- Ahmic Lake Dam in the Township of Magnetawan
- Blind River Dam in the Town of Blind River
- Graham Lake Dam in the Township of Front of Yonge
- Balaclava Dam in the Township of Greater Madawaska
Each project is expected to generate employment opportunities during construction, contributing to local job creation while addressing infrastructure needs.
The province emphasized that maintaining and upgrading dams is essential not only for safety but also for environmental protection and economic resilience, particularly in regions where waterways are closely tied to tourism, energy production and natural resource industries.
Part of Broader Infrastructure Spending Strategy
The latest announcement builds on a series of recent provincial investments in water infrastructure. According to the Ministry, Ontario has now committed more than $100 million toward upgrading 20 dams.
Previous funding includes $22 million announced in 2023 to repair six dams and $75 million in 2024 for ten additional projects. The Ministry of Natural Resources currently oversees the operation and maintenance of approximately 310 dams across the province.
The government says these investments are intended to address aging infrastructure while adapting to evolving environmental pressures, including increased flood risks linked to climate variability.
Local Leaders Welcome Investment
Municipal leaders in affected regions say the funding will have tangible benefits for their communities, particularly in managing water levels and protecting property.
“Whether it’s building roads and bridges, or this funding to keep the Graham Lake Dam operational for the next century, I’m proud that our government is continuing to invest in the critical infrastructure that keeps communities in Leeds and Grenville safe. I want to thank Minister Harris and the Ministry of Natural Resources for this funding to help manage water levels, preventing damage to property and the environment.”
— Steve Clark, MPP, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes
“This investment is welcome news for our municipality. Rehabilitating this dam will help protect homes and shorelines, manage water levels more effectively, and preserve the natural environment that our residents depend upon.”
— Roger Haley, Mayor, Township of Front of Yonge
“We thank the ministry for their commitment to helping support critical infrastructure. Our lakes and rivers require management to ensure safety for all.”
— Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Long-Term Impact on Communities and Environment
Officials say the rehabilitation work will enhance the resilience of Ontario’s water management systems, reducing the risk of flooding and environmental damage while ensuring dams continue to meet modern engineering and safety standards.
With infrastructure aging across many parts of the province, the government’s phased investment approach signals a long-term commitment to maintaining critical assets that underpin both community safety and economic stability.
Construction timelines for the four projects are expected to span several years, with completion targeted within the next four-year window.