By Thomas Smith
In November of 2024, Parks Canada started repairs on the Elliot Falls Dam near Norland.
The Elliot Falls waterpower generating facility was built around 1904 for the Raven Lake Portland Cement Company. The power generating facility was operated until 1928. After ceasing operations and being sold to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the site was later leased to Elliot Falls Power Corporation. Bracebridge Generation gained control of the station in 2016.
In February of 2023, a bulletin was posted indicating that barricades and fencing would be installed, and signage would be posted to direct people away from the area.
“These works are part of an ongoing commitment to maintain the safety and functionality of critical water management infrastructure across the Trent-Severn Waterway system,” writes a press release from the City of Kawartha Lakes on Nov. 26, 2024. “An inspection of the dam has confirmed deterioration of the concrete structure. While the dam poses no immediate danger, the project will involve a pier patching program to ensure the dam’s continued operability and repairs to the channels that hold the stop logs in place. No changes to current water management practices are required to complete this work.”
“The Elliott Falls Dam exhibited deterioration in several areas, most notably in the piers on Spillway 3 and the east wingwall,” said Karen Feley, public relations and communications officer for Parks Canada. “The easternmost pier has suffered concrete loss, which complicates the operation of Weir 3 (the eastern spillway).”
Feley says that the winter season presents unique challenges, including reduced work output due to cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which limit the feasibility of extended workdays.
Once the repairs are complete, there are no plans to open the facility to the public.
The repairs are progressing as scheduled and the repairs are expected to be done in February.