By Chad Ingram

Published Jan. 19 2017

Work has begun on the replacement of the Horseshoe Lake dam.

“The contractor is currently working toward diverting the Gull River around

the construction site by constructing cofferdams” reads a release from Parks Canada.  “This will allow the completion of the first stages of work which will include the demolition of the west side of the dam and its replacement. This demolition may begin as early as the week of January 16.”

A section of Horseshoe Lake road just south of Bethel Road was closed to traffic in early December and is expected to remain closed until the end of February.

“A pedestrian access pathway is in place alongside the closure” the release reads. “Residents are advised to avoid the area if possible and follow posted road side detour signs accordingly.”

About $40 million of $570 million in federal funding for improvements to the Trent Severn Waterway is being spent on projects in Haliburton County. Along with the dam at Horseshoe Lake dams at Long Lake Red Pine Lake Esson Lake Canning Lake Twelve Mile Lake Kushog Lake among others will be repaired or replaced.

Much of the infrastructure of the Trent Severn Waterway is more than a century old. The dam at Horseshoe Lake was constructed in 1909.

The new dam will include a pedestrian walkway that will allow for viewing the Minden Wild Water Preserve located just below the dam at the head of the Gull River.

Anyone with any questions about the project can send an email to Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca

and write “Horseshoe Lake Dam” in the subject heading. Updates on projects in the county can be found at  www.pc.gc.ca/tswHaliburton.