Parks Canada investing in dam safety along the Trent-Severn Waterway

Bolsover, Ontario, March 1, 2013 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, and Mr. Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock, today announced the Bolsover dam construction contract award to Metric Contracting Services Inc. in the amount of $20.9 million.

“The Trent Severn Waterway is vital to the economic prosperity of this region,” said Mr. Devolin. “Today’s significant investment in the Bolsover Dam reflects our government’s commitment to future sustainability of the waterway and the communities along it.”

The water control dam at Lock 37 (Bolsover) on the Talbot River section of the Trent-Severn Waterway was built in 1902-1903 and was identified for replacement as part of on-going asset monitoring and recapitalization throughout the Trent Severn Waterway. Onsite construction of the Bolsover Dam, including the installation and removal of a water diversion system, is expected to begin in 2013 and last for almost two years.

“I welcome this investment in the Trent-Severn Waterway and I am pleased our government continues to address the capital needs of this historic, recreational waterway in our region,” said Mr. Stanton.

Project design, tendering and overall construction is managed by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) with Parks Canada as the project lead.

“Investments like these demonstrate our Government’s continued focus on economic growth and job creation,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “By investing in our national parks and national historic sites such as the Trent-Severn Waterway, we are not only creating and maintaining jobs locally but also ensuring that Canadians can enjoy our heritage for generations to come.”

Built early in the 20^th century, the Trent-Severn Waterway is operational to this day – a true example of living history developed by the Government of Canada. Its heritage value is embodied in this, and in the many outstanding engineering structures, such as Bolsover Dam at Lock 37, and in those cultural landscapes related to the themes of water power, recreation, natural features and varied uses associated with one of the most diverse national historic sites in the country. Parks Canada is committed to continuing to contribute to the sustainability of the canal and look for opportunities to support bordering business and municipalities.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places. For additional information on the Trent-Severn Waterway, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca.

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Information:
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

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