April 21, 2015
1405
Bruce Power is teaming up with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) to restore fish habitat in the North Saugeen River.
The SVCA’s Lockerby Dam Decommissioning initiative will see the dam structure removed and the area, including the pond, rehabilitated to its natural state. This will allow the passage of migrating salmon and other fish species, increase fish habitat, help maintain cooler water temperatures and provide a natural buffer along this important waterway.
“We’re very excited about this project and all the natural benefits it can provide,” said Luke Charbonneau, chairman of Saugeen Conservation. “We are extremely grateful to Bruce Power for its interest and commitment, and look forward to working together to make this project a reality.”
Bruce Power is partnering with the SVCA in this important project through its new Environment Fund, a $400,000 initiative that will assist various community-driven environmental projects, said James Scongack, vice-president, corporate affairs.
“Bruce Power is proud to be a part of the SVCA’s Lockerby Dam Decommissioning project which will have important, long-term benefits to fish species in our area,” he said. “We understand the importance of safely and reliably, operating our eight units for the people of Ontario, but we also take great pride in improving the quality of life for our local residents and, in this case, wildlife, through projects such as this.
Bruce Power cheque presentation above the Lockerby dam
Having once been used to generate hydro, the Lockerby Dam has not supplied power to Paisley since 1923 and is currently a barrier to fish migration along the North Saugeen River, said Jo-Anne Harbinson, manager of water resources and stewardship services with the SVCA.
In addition to improving fish movement and migration, the project will return the waterway to its natural channel, providing an opportunity for vegetation to grow in and around the waterway which keeps the water cool for fish species and provides an abundance of insects. Vegetation also helps to keep the banks from eroding away and preventing sedimentation.
“The dam and the Lockerby area were established in the early-1850s with the first water power being used for a grist mill and later a saw mill," said Harbinson. "Removal of the dam is a step in moving forward to a healthier waterway and ecosystem."
Work on the Lockerby Dam Project is scheduled to begin this summer.
Cherie-Lee Fletsch (L), Bruce Power environmental Scientist, environment programs; and Francis Chua, manager, environment and sustainability; present a cheque for $45,000 to SVCA general manager Wayne Brohman and Jo-Anne Harbinson, manager of water resources and stewardship services, for the removal of the Lockerby Dam near Paisley; photos courtesy of Saugeen Conservation and Bruce Power
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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