Otonabee Conservation and Township of Cavan Monaghan to Begin Work On Millbrook Dam

Otonabee Conservation with the Township of Cavan Monaghan are conducting vegetation restoration work on the Millbrook dam to address significant erosion and safeguard critical infrastructure.

The Millbrook Dam during its ribbon cutting ceremony in 2019. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The project will help stabilize the area, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce the risk of further erosion according to Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO/Secretary-Treasurer.

“The Millbrook Dam is an important part of our watershed’s history and continues to play a critical role in managing water resources for the community today,” she said. “By investing in these restoration efforts, we are protecting both the structural integrity of this historic piece of infrastructure and the public safety, environmental, and recreational benefits it provides for future generations.”

Temporary cedar rail fencing is being put in place to protect damaged area, while still allowing public access along the existing footpath to cross the dam. The areas will be restored with topsoil and grass seed. Otonabee Conservation says the project anticipated to last two years. Ongoing pedestrian traffic across the embankment has caused erosion of the protective soil cover, exposing the underlying Flexamat system. This vegetated concrete block mat is a critical component of the dam and slope stabilization that helps maintain the long-term structural integrity of the dam.

“The Millbrook Dam is a valued community asset, and this work will help protect the infrastructure, support public safety, and preserve access to this important area for residents and visitors for years to come,” said Ryan Huntley, Township of Cavan Monaghan Deputy Mayor.

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