Established in 1968 for the Preservation of Williams Lake
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]
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.
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!
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.
Here’s the WLCC Newsletter for 2026 and your invitation to the AGM (open to the public).
Announcement of the new dam, Oct 2024:
(L to R) David Benoit, Kathleen Hall, Councillor Patty Cuttell, Minister Brendan Maguire, Margo Kerr, Minister Kim Masland, Councillor Shawn Cleary, Johnathan Veale. Photo: Michael Herrick