C201 (Broomes Creek Culvert & Dam) Reconstruction

In 2018, the County of Renfrew commences studies for the rehabilitation of County Structure C201 (Broomes Creek Culvert). During investigation, it was noted that the large dam located immediately downstream of the structure was in poor condition, so the County proceeded with investigating ownership of the dam. A legal survey was completed and review of the history of the dam was undertaken - findings concluded that the dam was located within the County's Right-of-Way and was constructed in support of a grist mill that was no longer present, as such the County assumed responsibility for the dam.
Given the dam's poor condition, and its proximity to the road structure, it was appropriate that the dam should be addressed as part of any project on Broomes Creek Culvert so as not to duplicate or undertake redundant works. In 2020, the County commenced a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to explore alternatives for the dam, which included:

• Do Nothing (for reference only);
• Removal of the dam and reinstatement of the past stream;
• Replacement of the dam with a concrete weir.

Due a number of factors, including the ecosystem that had been established upstream by the dam, the potential for severe bank erosion/liquefaction if the upstream head pond were drained, and the cultural importance to the hamlet of Foresters Falls; it was determined that the replacement of the dam with a concrete weir was the most effective alternative to proceed to detailed design. Consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the design for reconstruction of C201 (Broomes Creek Culvert) commenced in 2022 and was completed in 2024.

The construction project is now proceeding in 2025, and will commence May 1st. Please use this page to keep up-to-date on the project as construction proceeds.