Truax Dam

The Lake Huron Fishing Club has received full funding to complete the partial removal of the Truax Dam on the Saugeen River in Walkerton. The existing dam currently acts as a barrier to migration for some community fish species and the dam is in need of repair.

Following a public meeting on October 5, 2016, where the public had the opportunity to discuss the two options of partial removal or complete removal of the dam, Council decided to proceed with partial removal. At its January 22, 2018 meeting, Council passed By-Law 2018-006 - Lake Huron Fishing Club Truax Dam Memorandum of Understanding.

A Public Information Meeting was held on March 26, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bruce County Administration Building 30 Park Street Walkerton, ON. Jeff Graham P.Eng from GSS Engineering Ltd. was available for questions. The information session covered project history, project details and timelines related to the partial removal of the Truax Dam in Walkerton.

The project will see the dam structure partially removed, the area rehabilitated to a more natural state, address Brockton’s liability concerns with the dam and provide improved river access and public use at the site. Overall, the project will benefit the local fish population by allowing free fish migration to pass through the area. It will also improve water quality and create a heathier ecosystem where fish can thrive. Bruce Power is a full funding partner for this project. Work is scheduled for the summer of 2019.

Truax Dam History

Learn more about the history of the Truax Dam on the Saugeen River in Walkerton:

• R. Truax Son and Company 1851 - 1980 Walkerton - Closing the Door
• The Truax Story - 1992