Williams Lake Dam Replacement
Location
Williams Lake, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Contact
info@buildns.ca
ANNOUNCEMENTS + UPDATES
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 this coming summer – 2025?
A: As part of this project, Build Nova Scotia’s contractor will control the lake’s water level to allow for construction of the dam. This is a common approach for marine repair and means the level may be lowered to the point there is no water near the dam. This would be much like the low water level currently experienced during the summer.
Q: When will the removal of the existing dam begin?
A: The specific dates of the removal have not yet been determined and will be supplied by the contractor when the tender is awarded. We will share key elements of the schedule at that time.
Q: What is the target completion date for construction of the new dam?
A: It is anticipated the dam will be complete in winter 2026, then water levels will return to normal.
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 will take place mostly over five to six months in fiscal year 2025/26. Planting and restoration work is expected to take place after April 1, 2026.
Q: Will people be able to walk into Shaw Wilderness Park from parking lot on Purcell’s Cove Road?
A: Most of the pathway will be open to the public during construction though it may be closed at times to allow for the movement of large construction equipment. The only portion that may not be accessible will be right up by the dam. For example, when the Build Nova Scotia contractor starts pouring the concrete dam, there will be a constant flow of cement trucks, so the path will need to be closed. The public will be informed of closures through our website and social media channels.
Q: Will the parking lot still be available for use by visitors?
A: Part of the parking lot will be used for construction equipment, and the rest will remain open for use by visitors.
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 2024 – 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: The water quality of the lake will not be impacted. The 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.
