The first phase of the rehabilitation project includes repairs to the low-level conduit of the dam. This conduit is a gate valve beneath the dam that allows for secondary release of extra water, but is also how water would be drained to work on the dam itself. Unfortunately, this valve is seized, so it, along with the pipes on either side, are being replaced.
This work is scheduled to be completed in December 2025.
The spillway, on the other hand, is a much larger and more involved process.
When the reservoir is too full, whether from rain or snow, the water runs over the spillway, which provides a safe, controlled path for it to be released.
The current spillway was built in the 1960’s out of wood, and now is in dire need of replacement. Work is scheduled to begin sometime in 2026, depending on how the first phase goes, and over the next three years the wooden spillway will be torn down and replaced with a modern cement tiered spillway.
According to Deloraine Golf Course Vice-President Brett Morrison, this project has been talked about for around six years now. He said that the Golf Course was brought in from the very beginning and has always been made aware of any potential plans.
“Current work has not gotten in the way of the flow of play in any shape or form,” Morrison said. “Some extra traffic in the parking lot for sure, but it’s been a pretty smooth operation so far.”
Once construction begins on the spillway, however, that is likely to change, since the spillway is right in the middle of the course.
“Actual spillway construction will have a large effect on our course,” said Morrison. “The course will accommodate the construction the best we can.
“Standing in the way of the work isn’t an option as the old wooden spillway is in pretty rough shape and the work needs to happen sooner than later.
“We will utilize other areas of the course and make it work. If the layout has to change, or makeshift tee boxes or greens need to be built then we will look into that when the time comes.”
by JACQUIE MAYNARD
Recorder staff