957293 Ontario Inc. - Order to remove, open, repair or improve a dam

Proposal updates

This notice was updated on January 22, 2021 to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of the proposal, and it is still being considered. No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time.

The proponent was formerly Gervais Forest Products Limited.

This notice was updated on February 5, 2016 to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of this proposal and it is still being considered. No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time.

Description of instrument

An order is proposed to be issued to a dam owner under Subsection 17(1) of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA). The Ministry of Natural Resources administers the LRIA.

An order may be issued to a dam owner under subsection 17(1) of the LRIA, if the Minister, or the Minister’s delegate, considers it necessary for any of the purposes of the LRIA. This power has been delegated to the District Manager.

The dam is privately owned and is located on private lands. The structure and surrounding site have been found to be deficient. Voluntary compliance by the dam owner to implement an approved long term remedy has already been pursued without success. The District Manager considers that an Order is necessary to compel the dam owner to bring the site into compliance with the standards of the day for the purposes of the LRIA.

The proposed order would require the dam owner to take such steps as

Short-term works (before March 31, 2012)

1. provide plans and specifications prepared by a qualified engineering consultant(s), based on existing conditions, in order to open up the dam, remove part of the dam, repair, improve, or otherwise alter the dam in order to lower and maintain the lake level at no higher than 361.66 metres geodetic
2. implement the proposed work in accordance with the plans and specifications and maintain the above-noted water level until such time as a long-term solution is implemented

Long-term works (before August 31, 2012)

1. provide plans and specifications prepared by a qualified engineering consultant(s) to address such matters as: assessing existing conditions of the dam; ensuring that the dam meets applicable dam standards, and establishing and maintaining an acceptable long-term operating range for water levels
2. implement the proposed work in accordance with the plans and specifications

Other information

Ironside Lake is located approximately 30 kilometres northwest of the community of Capreol within the boundaries of the City of Greater Sudbury. There are approximately 32 cottage properties on the lake, including 10 permanent residences.

It is understood the dam was constructed circa 1925 to service adjacent industrial mining and milling operations on the property.

For several years, the Ministry has been attempting to work with the dam owner to bring the dam into compliance with the standards of the day and eliminate the adverse effects on the natural habitat and the private properties on the lake.

The dam controls water levels on Ironside Lake and is the focus of concern for cottagers and residents on the lake. The concern relates to inundation of riparian zones and private lands, risk to health and safety, damage to infrastructure and buildings, de-watering and low lake levels, and continued severe fluctuations.

Other public consultation opportunities

Signage has been posted on the site and a Letter of Notification was sent to the President of the Ironside Lake Cottager Association about this Environmental Registry notice.