NORTH BAY, Ontario, January 17, 2012 — Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced a major Government of Canada investment to replace the Ontario Latchford Dam, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“Our Government’s investment in the Latchford Dam will create local jobs and generate long‑term economic benefits for the entire region,” said Mr. Aspin. “Maintaining local public infrastructure is important to all of us as it contributes to a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and a safer community.”
“The top priority of our Government remains the economy,” said Minister Ambrose. “Through our investments in public infrastructure, we are not only creating jobs across the country but also ensuring safe access to these structures for the public.”
“On behalf of all the residents of Latchford, I would like to thank MP Aspin for getting a permanent long term solution for our problems with the dam,” said Mr. George Lefebvre, Mayor of the Town of Latchford. “The issues surrounding the dam have been ongoing for over 20 years. It was only through Mr. Aspin’s personal involvement that we announce today the 100-year solution for the dam.”
The 100-year-old Latchford Dam is primarily used for maintaining water levels in Bay Lake and providing a source of drinking water for the Town of Latchford. The town’s water treatment plant is adjacent to the dam, and a minimum lake level must be maintained to ensure proper operation of the system. Bay Lake is also a recreational waterway used for boating, fishing and other water sports.
Public Works and Government Services Canada is committed to a fair, open and transparent tendering process, which will be conducted through the Government Electronic Tendering System (MERX).
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For more information, media may contact:
Michelle Bakos
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
The Latchford Dam was built between 1910 and 1913. Its primary purpose is to maintain water levels inBayLakeand provide drinking water for the town of Latchford. The town’s water treatment plant is adjacent to the dam, and a minimum water level in the lake is required to ensure its proper operation. Bay Lake is also a recreational water body that is used for boating, fishing and other water sports. Many of the businesses are tourism related and these businesses generate substantial revenues within the community.
The dam was partly restored in 1995-1996. In 2009-2010, dam inspections identified a number of deficiencies and further work was completed in order to extend its useful life.
PWGSC is proceeding with a request for proposals (RFP) for the tendering of a design consultant and an environmental assessment of the project. This process will be fair, open and transparent and will be conducted through the Government Electronic Tendering System (MERX).
