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.
On June 4, 2019 Council passed By-Law 2019-067 accepting the tender of Moorefield Excavating Ltd. for the partial removal of the Truax Dam.
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.
On July 11, 2019, the Municipality of Brockton, Lake Huron Fishing Club, GSS Engineering, and Bruce Power hosted a Community Information Session on the Truax Dam Removal Project at the Walkerton Community Centre (290 Durham Street West) with sessions at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Construction for removal of the Truax Dam took place from August 7, 2019 to September 30, 2019. The removal project was completed on September 30, 2019. The Municipality would like to thank everyone for their cooperation during the construction.
| Project Timeline |
October 5, 2016 - Public Meeting
Partial Removal Proposal
Full Removal Proposal
September 11, 2017 - Council Supports Partial Removal
December 11, 2017 - Staff Recommend Memorandum of Understanding with Lake Huron Fishing Club
January 22, 2018 - Council Approves Memorandum of Understanding with Lake Huron Fishing ClubMarch 26, 2019 - Public Information Meeting
June 4, 2019 - Council Accepts Tender for Partial Removal of Truax Dam
July 11, 2019 - Community Information SessionOn July 11, 2019, the Municipality of Brockton, Lake Huron Fishing Club, GSS Engineering, and Bruce Power hosted a Community Information Session on the Truax Dam Removal Project at the Walkerton Community Centre (290 Durham Street West) with sessions at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. July 29, 2019 to October 1, 2019 - Saugeen River Trail Closed During Truax Dam RemovalThe Saugeen River Trail will be closed during the partial removal of the Truax Dam from July 29, 2019 until October 1, 2019. The Municipality of Brockton appreciates your cooperation during the construction. Stakeholders and neighouring residents have been notified of the trail closure. For more information about the location of the trail closure, please view the map below:
August 13, 2019 - Staff Report UpdateStaff presented Report Number PW2019-33 at the August 13, 2019 Council Meeting to provide an update about the Partial Removal of the Truax Dam Project. |
| Partial Removal Project Update |
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The Municipality of Brockton provided regular project updates on the Partial Removal of the Truax Dam until the construction was completed on September 30, 2019. August 7, 2019Construction has begun on the partial removal of the Truax Dam. Contractors are utilizing the Saugeen River Trail, and a roadway is being constructed.
August 12, 2019Removal of the Truax Dam at 10:30 a.m.on Monday, August 12, 2019
Removal of the Truax Dam at 11:30 a.m.on Monday, August 12, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 14, 2019
August 15, 2019
August 16, 2019
August 19, 2019
August 20, 2019
August 21, 2019
August 23, 2019
August 26, 2019
August 27, 2019
August 28, 2019
August 29, 2019
September 4, 2019
September 6, 2019
September 10, 2019
September 16, 2019
September 30, 2019Construction has now completed for the removal of the Truax Dam. Fencing remains along a portion of the dam until the hydroseeing is completed. The Saugeen River Trail is back open for public use, and the River Access Points have also been re-opened. The Municipality thanks everyone for their cooperation during the construction.
Hydroseeding at the Truax Dam
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Truax Dam History
Learn more about the history of the Truax Dam on the Saugeen River in Walkerton:
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