Rideau Falls Dam Complex

About the dam complex

The Rideau Falls Dam Complex is located in Ottawa, Ontario, where the Rideau River flows into the Ottawa River. The complex consists of 2 dams, the East and West dams. The dams regulate the water levels and flow in the Rideau River between Hog’s Back Falls and Rideau Falls.

Each spring, the dams coordinate with the City of Ottawa’s ice blasting operations.

History of the dam complex

The Rideau Falls Dam Complex consists of 2 concrete dams constructed in the 1800s to manage water levels on the Rideau River:

• 1968: the East Dam was replaced
• 1999: the West Dam was largely reconstructed

Operations and maintenance

We manage water levels in coordination with Parks Canada and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. Our employees operate the flow control equipment at the dams, which consists of:

• 2 openings with mechanical gates
• 10 other openings with stop logs

Related links

• Directory of Federal Real Property: Parkland (Rideau Falls Dam) and Central Heating Plant (National Research Council)
• Rideau Falls Park and Green Island overview from the National Capital Commission