Town officials are concerned new provincial regulations could require upgrades to local dams costing $105,000 to $240,000 per structure, not including any major capital costs.
“The major problem is, who is going to pay?” Water Superintendent Frank Smedley asked last week. He said the municipality needs to ask the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) about grants, though he hinted there is likely “minimal funding” for Erin.
Smedley told council last week the MNR has drafted an update to the guidelines and requirements under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.
The document, which is now undergoing a 67-day public review, includes dam specifications for design and construction, safety, maintenance and inspection, removal and decommissioning, emergency preparedness and the creation of a provincial dam registry.
Smedley explained the town currently owns two dams that have “public access” – Hulls Dam at the end of Church Street West in Erin and Station Road Dam just west of the Hillsburgh fire all – so the municipality will likely be required to complete all the requirements.
“Hulls Dam … could be very costly as it is in poor condition,” Smedley said in his report to council. “The Station Road Dam … is co-owned by the adjacent pond owner. As such the cost will have to be split.” He added the new regulations will require “significant staff resources” the town currently does not have. In addition, the capital and ongoing costs “will also be significant and may impact the tax rate.”
The new regulations likely will also apply to the privately owned dams in the municipality, including the ones at Charles Street, Stanley Park, Main Street in Hillsburgh, Lake Roman and other rural locations.
“I’ve seen no indication they’ll be exempt from this,” Smedley said.
In fact, he hinted privately owned dams may ultimately become town property due to “political pressure and the inability for the owner to fund the required work.”
Mayor Rod Finnie suggested the town send letters to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) asking those groups to meet with provincial officials to discuss the matter.
Councillor John Brennan added the town needs to notify all the private dam owners of the situation so they can prepare for any new requirements.
