Williams Lake Dam Replacement
Location
Williams Lake, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Contact
info@buildns.ca
ANNOUNCEMENTS + UPDATES
May 2026: Public Service Announcement – Temporary Trail Closure
October 2025: Public Service Announcement – Trail Reopened
September 2025: Public Service Announcement – Temporary Trail Closure
March 2025: Public Service Announcement – Temporary Trail Closure
February 2025: Public Service Announcement – Site Preparation
October 2024: Williams Lake Dam Replacement Announcement
FAQ
Q: How low will the water level be in the summer of 2026?
A: As part of this project, Build Nova Scotia’s contractor will lower the lake’s water level beginning in June to allow for construction of the dam. This is a common approach for marine repair. Once the coffer dam is in place, the lake level will be 1.54 metres lower than the current lake level.
When the new dam is in place, water levels will depend on weather conditions.
Q: When will the removal of the existing dam begin?
A: Pre-construction water and property assessments have been carried out, as well as bird and turtle surveys to determine which species live and breed in the area and to ensure they are protected.
Equipment will be mobilized on site in late May then work will begin to install the coffer dam. This will remove water from the construction site and create a dry, safe area that will enable construction of the new dam.
Removal of the old dam is expected to begin mid-June with construction of the new dam beginning about a month later.
Q. When will the dam be completed?
A: Construction of the new dam will begin in late July and take approximately two months to complete. We anticipate restoration work will begin this fall, following removal of the coffer dam. This restoration work will include planting trees and cleaning up the trail. The entire project is expected to be complete in spring 2027.
Q: Why is it taking three years to do this replacement?
A: The three-year time frame includes both the design and construction of the dam. The design work started in fiscal year 2024/25 and construction is taking place mostly over five to six months, beginning in June, 2026, followed by planting and restoration work. The entire project will be complete by Spring, 2027.
Q: Will people be able to walk into Shaw Wilderness Park from parking lot on Purcell’s Cove Road?
A: The trail to the dam is expected to be closed during construction to ensure the safety of both the public and workers on site.
Q: Will the parking lot still be available for use by visitors?
A: The parking lot is expected to be closed during construction to ensure the safety of both the public and workers on site.
Q: Will Cunard Pond and Williams Lake be stocked with fish this summer?
A: Yes, the McGowan Lake Fish Hatchery will continue its annual spring and fall stocking of Williams Lake. You can find the schedule on the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website at Weekly Stocking Update 2025 – Government of Nova Scotia, Canada, which will soon be updated.
Q: Will there be blasting?
A: The contractor will determine if blasting is necessary. If blasting is required, there are specific regulations that will be followed to ensure the safety of people, property and wildlife.
Q: Will there be rock breaking?
A: Yes. While there are no mitigation measures to reduce the noise, this activity is expected to take just a few weeks.
Q: Will water quality be impacted by construction?
A: Water samples were taken before construction began and will continue to be taken throughout construction. While it is possible water quality may be temporarily impacted downstream during construction, when removing the coffer dam and during dam start up, all work will be done in accordance with detailed environmental regulations that are required when working in or near water. Measures include silt booms that will be installed around the site.
