Ontario Investing $11.5 Million to Upgrade Critical Water Infrastructure

April 21, 2026

Government funding will rehabilitate four aging dams to protect public safety and create good‑paying jobs

MALLORYTOWN — The Ontario government is investing $11.5 million to upgrade four dams across the province to protect people and communities. These projects will create good-paying jobs in the community and ensure stronger, more resilient water control infrastructure that operates safely and reliably for decades to come.

Ontario dams play a critical role in the province’s northern and rural economy and protect communities from potential flooding. Construction for the four projects is scheduled to take place over the next four years and will extend the useful service life of each dam for up to 100 years and ensure they continue to meet provincial standards for public safety.

“Strong, reliable dams help keep our waterways safe, protecting families and communities,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Through today’s investment, we are upgrading this essential infrastructure so that these dams continue to meet our high standards and operate safely and effectively for many years to come.”

The four dams being rehabilitated are:

  • Ahmic Lake Dam in the Township of Magnetawan
  • Blind River Dam in the Town of Blind River
  • Graham Lake Dam in the Township of Front of Yonge
  • Balaclava Dam in the Township of Greater Madawaska

This new funding builds on the province’s historic investments in dam infrastructure to protect public safety and brings Ontario’s total investment to more than $100 million to upgrade 20 dams across the province.

Quick Facts

  • The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 310 dams across the province.
  • The province announced an investment of $22 million to repair six dams in 2023 and $75 million to repair ten dams in 2024.

Quotes

“Whether it’s building roads and bridges, or this funding to keep the Graham Lake Dam operational for the next century, I’m proud that our government is continuing to invest in the critical infrastructure that keeps communities in Leeds and Grenville safe. I want to thank Minister Harris and the Ministry of Natural Resources for this funding to help manage water levels, preventing damage to property and the environment.” – Steve Clark MPP, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

“This investment is welcome news for our municipality. Rehabilitating this dam will help protect homes and shorelines, manage water levels more effectively, and preserve the natural environment that our residents depend upon.” – Roger Haley, Mayor, Township of Front of Yonge

“We thank the ministry for their commitment to helping support critical infrastructure. Our lakes and rivers require management to ensure safety for all.” – Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands