Williams Lake cofferdam
Installation of a cofferdam is an essential phase of Build Nova Scotia’s construction project to replace the deteriorating, 255-year-old dam on Williams Lake.
Dam construction – water diversion pipes
These huge pre-cast concrete pipes will be used to divert lake water around the cofferdam once it is installed this month. Diverting lake water around the temporary cofferdam ensures that the structure remains stable and protects the dry lakebed worksite so that construction crews and heavy machinery can begin to dismantle the old Williams Lake dam. [Photo: Kathleen Hall, May 2026]
New dam work begins
Construction on the long-anticipated replacement of the Williams Lake dam is set to begin this June, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance safety for people living in the area, protect their properties, and the ecosystem. The Province is investing $4.965 million in this project, which is being managed by Build Nova Scotia.
Backlands Land Protection
The Nova Scotia government is currently considering a proposal to permanently protect a 505-hectare area of Crown Land in the Halifax Backlands wilderness area in Spryfield, pending public consultation!
Williams Lake levels update June 1
Lake levels will begin to drop today and continue over the next 2.5 week as the construction site is prepared for the next important phase of the building of the new dam.