MAPLETON – As part of its ongoing maintenance program, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is continuing a comprehensive project to restore the concrete of the Conestogo Dam.
The project is a continuation of work completed on the dam over the last several years to repair normal damage caused by regular weather and ice events.
The construction requires the reservoir to be drawn down gradually to allow the contractor access to portions of the upstream face of the dam, and then time to complete repairs.
As a result, the west (shorter) boat launch at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area will be out of service for the remainder of the season as of Aug. 23.
This is due to lower-than-normal water levels for this time of year to facilitate the concrete repairs.
It is planned that the east (longer) boat launch will remain in service until Labour Day on Sept. 1.
Increased draw down of water levels, starting on Sept. 2, will result in the closure of this boat launch shortly after Labour Day.
Boaters and cottagers are advised to make plans to remove boats before Sept. 2.
Drawdown of the reservoir may be impacted by weather or downstream flow requirements.
Should there be any changes to the schedule, the project webpage will be updated and notifications will be sent.
One lane of Wellington Road 11 is closed to accommodate the project and owners of the cottages on Conestogo Lake are being asked to monitor their properties throughout the project.
This phase of the project to repair the upstream walls is anticipated to conclude in December.
The dam will continue to operate as intended throughout the duration of the project and provide its primary flood storage and flow augmentation functions.
