July 10, 2015 - The City was made aware through media that a letter from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), dated July 2, 2015, was sent by mail to the City requesting additional information on the planning for the Boulevard Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project. Only today was the City able to obtain a copy this letter, upon request to the Ministry. 

The Boulevard Lake Dam is an important piece of infrastructure.  Planning for the rehabilitation of the dam to repair deteriorated concrete began in 2008, and remains a high priority project for the City. The letter contains requests for additional studies to be undertaken with respect to potential environmental impacts, and further consultation with stakeholders. 

"It is unfortunate that the City did not receive a copy of the letter prior to the additional requests being made public," said Tim Commisso, City Manager. "However, we can now review the Ministry's requests, many of which were not previously identified and continue planning for this important piece of infrastructure. As with any major project that involves multiple stakeholders, we take the required Municipal Class Environmental Assessment and public consultation very seriously and will work with MOE to address any concerns with the project. 

"The City is has been working closely with the MOECC over the past year and recognizes this particular project is complex," said Kayla Dixon, Director of Engineering. "It is not out of the ordinary on projects of this scale to receive multiple requests, and the City will ensure that its environmental obligations and commitments continue to be met. The City welcomes the ongoing guidance provided by the MOECC, and is confident that the project will be implemented in an environmentally responsible manner."

Earlier in June, Administration made the decision to delay the dam rehabilitation project to allow the Can-Am Police-Fire Games' triathlon to be held at Boulevard Lake in 2016. The Games have been in the planning stages for the past three years. This event will be a significant economic driver for the City, and is expected to draw approximately 1,200 international competitors. This additional time will allow the City to work with the MOECC, and perform the additional tasks as requested.  

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 Contact:   Tim Commisso, City Manager 625-2224



                 Kayla Dixon, Director - Engineering, 625-3022