FERGUS – The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is preparing for a maintenance project on the Shand Dam, in Belwood Lake Conservation Area, pending GRCA Board approval during a meeting tomorrow.
The project could impact winter activities that are popular in the area including Ice Fishing and hiking and walking trails.
Manager of Water Infrastructure with the GRCA, Katelyn Lynch, says to accommodate the work, water in the reservoir will be lowered at a faster rate than is typical for this time of year.
Lynch says when dam gates are raised or lowered to control flows, they slide up and down in guides that are called gains which are slots in the upstream concrete piers.
The work means some popular winter activities at the conservation area might be affected. Lynch, says because of the fluctuating water levels, ice fishing will most likely not be possible.
A portion of the Elora Cataract Trail that crosses the dam will be partially blocked but Lynch says it will remain open throughout the project.
Parking lots will remain open but some areas could be cordoned off for construction vehicles.
Shand Dam began operation in 1942 and is one of seven multi-purpose dams built by the GRCA to help reduce the impact of flooding as well as augment river flows during the summer and fall.
