Timiskaming Dam Complex: Quebec dam replacement project

Learn about the Quebec dam replacement project at the Timiskaming Dam Complex.

Project overview

Project description

The existing Quebec dam is nearing the end of its serviceable life. The purpose of this project is to build a new dam about 25 metres downstream of the existing dam. Once the new dam is built, we will de construct the existing dam. The new dam will take over the task of regulating water flow in the river.

Like the existing dam, the new dam will have a 2-lane roadway that connects the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

The new dam will be approximately 75 metres long and will include 10 openings. The openings will have mechanical vertical gates, instead of the current stoplogs. This will improve the ability to operate the dam and regulate the flow of water. This modification will result in more efficient water-level management. It will also allow the dam to react quickly to significant weather events.

A new passageway that supports moving aquatic life upstream and maintaining connectivity within the river ecosystem is being proposed.

The existing roadway will remain open to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians while the new dam is being constructed.

The existing dam will also remain in service during the construction of the new dam.

We will continue to work with the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board throughout construction to operate the dam and manage the Ottawa River’s reservoirs.

Environmental assessment

The Environmental Impact Statement is currently under review by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. The Agency is preparing to issue the draft environmental assessment report. An opportunity to see the draft report and comment will be announced this winter by the Agency.

To date, the following has happened:

• August 2018: The Agency issued the final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement
• Spring and summer 2022: We shared 2 draft reports with Indigenous Peoples for their review, as part of ongoing active engagement with them since the beginning of the environmental assessment process
• October 2022: Our Environmental Impact Statement was submitted to the Agency for a conformity review
• March 2023: A revised version of our Environmental Impact Statement was submitted to the Agency for a second conformity review and was later qualified in conformance, which led to the launch of its public consultation process
• March 2024: We submitted our responses to the Agency’s first Request for Information
• Summer 2024: The Agency submitted the second Request for Information to PSPC
• August 2025: PSPC submitted its responses to the Agency’s second Request for Information
• Summer to fall 2025: The Agency prepared the draft environmental assessment report

Key milestones

• December 2025: Request for Qualifications issued for a shortlist of design-builder respondents
• Fall 2026: Selection of a design-builder following Request for Proposal (tentative)
• Summer 2027: Start of new dam construction (tentative)

Consultation with Indigenous Peoples and accommodation

We are consulting with Indigenous Peoples to obtain their views on:

• the project
• the possible impacts of changes to the environment for Indigenous Peoples
• the possible adverse impacts of the project on potential or established Indigenous rights

The consultation respects the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples.

The goal of this consultation is to gather a nation-to-nation view that reflects a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

Related links

• Timiskaming Dam Complex
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Timiskaming Dam (Quebec side)
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Timiskaming Dam (Ontario side)

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada