Brock reviews Beaverton Dam safety report, eyes 2026 budget for next steps

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: A long-overlooked structure on the Beaver River is back in the spotlight, as Brock Township council received a detailed safety review of the Beaverton Dam, at its meeting on Monday, April 12th.

The report authored by, Interim Director of Public Works, Ben Kester, and prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., recommends a full Dam Safety Review (DSR) in 2026, citing regulatory requirements and potential risks posed by the aging structure.

While the Beaverton Dam is no longer operational, its legacy and its lingering infrastructure may still have significant implications for public safety and environmental compliance under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA). "Even in its current non-functional state, the structure still qualifies as a dam under provincial legislation," said Mr. Kester. "The piers remain fixed and influence the flow of the river, particularly during the spring freshet."

According to the report presented, Stantec engineers classified the dam as a "permanent hydraulic structure" which can still impact upstream water levels, especially when debris accumulates. During their April 10th site visit, engineers observed a large pile of tree debris lodged against the piers, a blockage which, extends several hundred metres upstream and, could pose a hazard to the nearby Mara Road Bridge and adjacent properties.

The dam, believed to have been originally constructed in the 19th century, to support Beaverton's once-thriving milling industry, has long since lost its original function. However, the remaining concrete piers and abutments continue to affect river hydraulics. "It's not just an issue of heritage," said Councillor Claire Doble, during the meeting. "We're talking about potential flooding risks, and that's a real concern for residents."

Historical records and community anecdotes underline those concerns. In a 2018 newspaper article, a local resident recounted a near-flooding event, when large ice sheets became jammed against the dam's piers. "If the water had risen any higher that night, we could have seen serious damage to the bridge," the resident stated.

The report recommends the township remove the upstream debris which is currently creating a backwater effect and increasing flood risk. It also advises the municipality conduct annual inspections, during high-risk months, particularly February through April, to monitor for ice jams and blockages. In addition, a full Dam Safety Review should be carried out, to determine the structure's hazard classification and assess the condition of the piers. A Public Safety Assessment would identify any risks the dam poses to the public and inform a safety plan, which could include measures such as signage, barriers, or public education initiatives.

"Given the structure's age and deteriorating condition, it's time we assess whether we're managing it properly," Mr. Kester told council. "A full review would provide a clear understanding of its risk profile and help us determine the best course of action, whether that's rehabilitation, partial removal, or continued monitoring."

While the Stantec report was included in the 2025 budget, any further expenses, including engineering studies or structural modifications, will be considered during the 2026 budget deliberations. "There's no immediate cost impact," confirmed Mr. Kester, "but we do anticipate budget implications next year."

Mayor Walter Schummer emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement. "This structure sits in the heart of Beaverton and is part of its story," he said. "Whatever we decide, it will be through a public process, and residents will have a voice."

The council formally received the report and directed staff to bring forward cost estimates, for the Dam Safety Review, during the 2026 budget process. A final decision on the dam's future is expected to follow those discussions.