In the best case scenario, work would start this summer to replace the Drimmie Dam.
But there’s a cost involved, and Centre Wellington council is being asked to chip in an extra $200,000 for the $1.2 million rebuild of the dam.
Grand River Conservation Authority CEO Joe Farwell, was at Centre Wellington’s committee of the whole on Jan. 17 to pitch the idea.
He noted the Drimmie Dam was built in the late 19th century to control water levels in the Grand River for operation of the adjoining mill, which is now the Elora Mill Inn.
Farwell noted that the Drimmie Dam is considered an integral part of the village of Elora.
He noted there are two specific types of dams within the GRCA’s small dams program.
One type is a large embankment dam – and earthen dam with a control structure in the middle.
The other is a “run of the river” dam, the type the Drimmie Dam is, Farwell explained.
He added that in Ontario, dams are regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Farwell said the dam location, above a 12 meter high waterfall.
That fact is important, and a recurring theme in the context, he said.
“The Drimmie Dam isn’t a barrier to fish passage – the waterfall is the barrier.”
As a result, he said there were not huge environmental concerns, “it was more the condition of the dam that led to the environmental assessment.”
Farwell noted records are sketchy but it appears the current dam was built in 1911, “so it’s actually 100 years old this year.”
He added the dam also provides a head pond for a micro-hydro generation station (140 kilowatts).
The GRCA has owned the structure since 1984.
There are issues with the dam, Farwell said.
First, it restricts the capacity of the river through Elora.
As a result, the intent was to improve water flows through the community.
But he also stressed the dam “is in very poor condition. I think anyone can see that. It doesn’t meet the current dam safety guidelines.”
He explained an environmental assessment was made to look at the future of the dam.
He added that a community liaison committee was established to represent the community as a whole.
“It was a very effective committee and we had four community liaison committee meetings were held, as well as two well attended public information centres.”
Farwell said several alternatives were looked at.
The preferred alternative was to replace the dam at its current location, but at a height 0.5 metres lower than it is currently situated.
It also allows for the continued production of hydroelectricity at the Elora Mill.
It also alternative also reduces the risk of flooding from the Grand River through Elora, and includes a service gate to allow water levels in the pond to be reduced to maintain the dam crest.
The preferred alternative continues to provide the view of the tranquil head-pond the community values.
He said this should prevent much of the flood warning required in the boardwalk area each spring.
The other feature, includes a maintenance gate.
Farwell explained one of the ongoing issues with the current dam is that without the ability to dry it out, it cannot easily be fixed.
He said it’s been a problem with the current dam for a number of years, because without the ability to address repairs properly, it has continued to deteriorate.
Farwell also stated this is the least costly alternative and will allow the structure to be maintained properly.
“It also preserves the heritage aspect for Elora.”
“One of the things that became loud and clear during the environmental assessment was the intrinsic value of the tranquil water above the dam. The community obviously feels very strongly about the dam.”
Farwell said the project cost is $1.2 million and he hoped a grant would be made available from the province to cover half that cost.
Roughly $400,000 of the cost has been assigned to the general GRCA levy, he said.
“We’re here to request a $200,000 contribution from the municipality to assist us with moving on with this project.”
While Councillor Walt Visser considered it a very worthwhile project, he added the municipality has not set its budget yet.”
Visser asked if the GRCA had approached the two neighbouring property owners, who would very much benefit from this project.
“I would like to see them participate in this.”
Farwell said the owners had been approached, but he had not heard back from them.
He noted it was a suggestion also made by the GRCA board.
“Our intention is to continue to seek funds from both owners.”
Councillor Kirk McElwain asked if there was a potential time frame.
Farwell responded that the application is before the Ministry of Natural Resources right now.
“I’m optimistic we could have a permit in place by July 1.”
If that happened, the working window would be between that date and the end of the year.
Farwell said that if everything was in place, “I’d like to see this project go ahead this summer.”
Council Kirk McElwain said that dropping the dam height by 0.5 metres would obviously have an effect on both sides of the river.
He asked if any cleanup work was planned.
Farwell said it is something that will need to be looked at.
“We’ve never seen this pond drawn down to know exactly what it’s going to look like.”
At the same time, he did not expect the GRCA to abandon the area once the dam work is completed.
There would be a need to evaluate it in following years.
Councillor Kelly Linton asked what the river would like with no dam in place.
Farwell said “It would look different. It would not be the calm pool that is out there now.”
He suspected it would appear as a standard flowing river, because there is a drop in the river between the Bissell Dam and the Drimmie Dam.
It would be slightly, but not extremely narrower, he said.
He added this is not like the stereotypical millponds where there is only a six to eight foot stream down the middle.
“It is still the Grand River.”
He said it is almost like a miniature gorge where the walls are close to vertical.
Visser then asked what the difference was between this situation and the Beatty Dam.
“We fought like crazy to keep the Beatty Dam … but it turned out pretty good.”
Farwell said the main difference is that the Drimmie Dam involves hydro generation and as a result, some head pond is required.
He said the current owners bought the property with the expectation they could generate some hydro.
The other difference is that with the Beatty Dam, fish can now travel upstream.
The Drimmie Dam is note a true barrier to fish passage, Farwell said.
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen asked what would happen if Centre Wellington couldn’t find the funds in its budget.
Farwell said one approach might be to try and stage the work over a two-year period and further talks with the adjacent property owners.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj stated the meeting was a committee of the whole, and the matter would need to be discussed during budget deliberations.
“It’s a very significant part of our community. I think we are all stakeholders in this project.”
