According to the boards used at the open house supplied by the province, the project began with the detailed design and the ongoing production of construction drawings, starting in 2024 and continuing now. 2025-26 are ongoing meetings with the Municipality of Deloraine Winchester and the Deloraine Golf Club, who will have their course impacted in the short term, as well as landowners.

According to the province, work on the low level conduit began in August 2025, and will continue throughout the winter. More practical work will move in 2026.

Step one is the box culvert replacement in the downstream rail embankment north of the dam. The second step would be to excavate a new channel, east of the existing one. This would also include a new channel crossing, new discharge channel and a concrete spillway. This would replace the current wood spillway, which is old and damaged.

The third phase would be the demolishing of the old spillway and regarding of the existing approach channel.

Explaining the reasoning, the province said the old concrete box culvert (step one) is at the end of its life and a new one would work with the new spillway and protect the railway embankment. The new spillway (step two) is necessary as the old wooden one is deteriorated and unreliable, and a new one would reduce the need for as much maintenance. Removing the old spillway (step three) allows for a safer area and prepares the space for any future development.

As the province explained, their discussions with impacted groups mean that both landowners in the area and the nearby golf course will be impacted as little as possible by the project. The new work once completed will reduce flooding impacts, improve drainage and wildlife habitat, while saving money long term on repairs.

Although plans are for the heavy-duty construction work to begin this year, it is subject to regulatory approval. If all goes well, the plan is for everything to be completed and online in two years time.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff