White's Portage Dam Replacement, Trent-Severn Waterway – Public comments invited from January 5 to February 20, 2023

January 5, 2023 – Parks Canada must decide whether the proposed project White's Portage Dam Replacement, located in Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Parks Canada will be assessing this project using a Detailed Impact Assessment.

To help inform this decision, Parks Canada is issuing this notice of intent to make a determination and inviting comments from the public on the project's potential effects on the environment as the public consultation for this proposal. All comments received will be considered public. For more information on the public nature of your comments, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

In order to submit comments or request a copy of the draft Detailed Impact Assessment report, contact:

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site 
P.O. Box 567
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 6Z6
Telephone: 705-750-4900 or 1-888-773-8888
Email: trentsevern@pc.gc.ca - please include "White's Portage Dam" in the subject line

Comments on the draft Detailed Impact Assessment report must be submitted by February 20, 2023.

Project Summary: The project is a complete replacement of the dam. The scope of work includes 2-phased reconstruction of the existing structure. Project activities include, but are not limited to, replacement of the dam complete with abutments, sluices, new stop logs, new machinery, new decks, operator safety features, railing for public safety, landscape and embankment works, commissioning, demolition of the old dam and site restoration. The dam is to be built in two phases and will last 2 years.
Due to the discharge impediment caused by the presence of bedrock outcrop along the downstream shore, excavation and removal of rock, which will maximise the discharge capacity of the Six Mile Lake system and reduce the risk of flooding during extreme events. Rock removal may result in some appearance changes and outcrop access to the falls.

Scope of Assessment: The Detailed Impact Assessment will assess impacts of the project on the following valued components: species at risk and their critical habitat; fish and fish habitat; vegetation; wildlife; cultural and archaeological resources; recreation; landscape and landforms.