New phase of maintenance work to start on Conestogo Dam

Cottagers and recreational users on the Conestogo Lake reservoir should expect fluctuating water levels, and see barges with workers on the water, according to the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).

Construction is set to repair the concrete on the upstream wall of the dam, so the water in the reservoir will be lowered at a faster rate than usual to give them access to portions of the face of the dam.

The GRCA said during July and August, the reservoir level may drop by up to 20 centimetres per day.

The authority has said the beach and boat launch at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area may be impacted, or out of service, earlier in the season than usual.

However, the organization said there will be no impact to fisheries within Conestogo Lake.

Lowering the water level will still maintain minimum flows over the dam and downstream until Sept. 2.

After Labour Day, the GRCA said the reservoir level may drop by up to 30 centimetres per day.

They expect this phase of the rehabilitation project to wrap up by December, but the work is weather dependent. The GRCA has been working on the dam for several years to repair damage caused by regular weather and ice events.

The GRCA notes one lane of Wellington Road 11 has been closed for this work, and owners of the nearly 400 cottages on Conestogo Lake are asked to monitor their properties throughout the project.

The Conestogo Dam is about 30 minutes northwest of Elmira.