The Frederick House Lake Dam is one of 239 dams that OPG operates across Ontario. Constructed in 1937-1938, this dam has a long history of managing and storing water for hydroelectric generation at Abitibi Canyon and Otter Rapids GS in northeastern Ontario.
OPG is proud of its reputation as a world leader in dam safety and is planning to rehabilitate the existing structure. This work will ensure the dam continues to operate with the highest integrity, while supporting OPG’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Project scope
The rehabilitation of the Frederick House Lake Dam will extend its operating life by approximately 50 years, while upholding the highest standards of dam and public safety. The dam will maintain existing flow capacity and no changes will occur to the current water levels and flows as set out in the Abitibi River Water Management Plan.
Project work will include:
- Concrete repairs to dam and sluiceway structure;
- Replacement of gains, sills, stop logs and sectional gates;
- Road maintenance to support construction access; and
- Temporary in-water work (e.g. cofferdams).
Project status
- The project is over 35% complete.
- Installation and commissioning, including dewatering, of the upstream cofferdam is complete.
- South Gravity Wall repairs are underway, along with completed installation of temporary post-tension anchors in the rollways.
- Scaffolding has been erected in sluiceways 7,8 and 9 to allow closer inspection of the piers and continuing concrete activities.
- Installation of dowels and rebar, formwork and concrete pours are ongoing.
- Focus will shift to Phase 2 (North side of dam) once all sluiceways in Phase 1 (7,8,9) are fully commissioned around Fall 2024.
Project schedule
Spring 2022 – Fall 2022
- Engineering design and environmental studies
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023
- Request for proposal for contractor
Summer 2023 – Fall 2025
- Site mobilization and construction
The project is moving along well, with collaboration from the project team, including contractors on site and OPG staff. We are committed to continuing to work safely, while remaining dedicated to environmental sustainability, and management of water through the dam. We will continue to work with local residents to ensure road and public safety remains a priority with the project.Malcolm BatesSr. Project Manager
Neighbours Newsletter - Winter/Spring 2025
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Number of Pages: 2
Publisher: OPG
Neighbours Newsletter - Winter/Spring 2025
- Project background
- Construction update
- TTN member contributes to success
- Warming up in Connaught
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Number of Pages: 2
Publisher: OPG
- Project background
- Construction update
- TTN member contributes to success
- Warming up in Connaught
Road safety and traffic management
To ensure public and road user safety, a traffic management plan has been developed by OPG and contractor Stuart Olson. The plan includes mitigation measures such as:
- Project traffic will utilize Hwy 67 (Municipal Road), Frederick House Lake Road and Connaught-Evelyn Road to access site.
- Daily shuttle bus and/or car pool to reduce the number of passenger vehicles traveling to the project site.
- Installed signage to advise the public of increased construction traffic.
- Project vehicle identification.
- Strict adherence to all road rules and posted speed limits.
- Road usage protocols including radio communication, traffic attendants, and daily visual assessments of road conditions.
- Ongoing communication with neighbours and area residents.
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