Government of Canada officially opens Big Chaudière Dam

Building modern, reliable public infrastructure and creating jobs

DOKIS, ON, Aug. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has completed the replacement of the Big Chaudière Dam, which provides local residents with modern, safe infrastructure while creating jobs and generating economic benefits.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, today announced the opening of the new dam, located downstream of Lake Nipissing and along the French River in the Nipissing?Timiskaming District of Ontario. Member of Parliament Serré highlighted the Government of Canada's commitment to collaborating with the Dokis First Nation on this project. During construction, 15 Dokis First Nation labourers, as well as 10 other local workers, were hired for the project. Operation of the Big Chaudière Dam is providing ongoing full-time employment to 2 members of the Dokis First Nation.

The Big Chaudière Dam is 1 of 3 dams that control the outflow from Lake Nipissing and are essential for maintaining its water level and for regulating the flow of water into the 105-kilometre-long French River. The new dam will ensure that the vibrant tourism industry in and around the French River will continue to attract people from across Canada.

Quotes

"Our government is proud to work with First Nations communities, like the Dokis First Nation, to achieve our common priorities in building a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and more prosperous, safer communities for future generations by ensuring safe and modern public infrastructure."

Steven MacKinnon
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"Our government realizes the importance of modern public infrastructure, such as the Big Chaudière Dam. Sustainable, safe and reliable infrastructure assets contribute to local quality of life, tourism and recreation and encourage economic development."

Marc Serré
Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

Quick facts

• The new Big Chaudière Dam, which consists of a south channel dam and a north channel dam, was completed in October 2016, with a total project cost of $21.9 million. The project began in 2012.
• The replacement of the south channel dam began in fall 2014 and was completed in September 2015.
• The replacement of the north channel dam began in November 2015 and was completed in October 2016.

Related product

Web page on the Big Chaudière Dam replacement project

Associated links

Community of Dokis First Nation
French River and Lake Nipissing

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada