Improving dam safety at Smoky Falls

Strengthening dam safety on the Lower Mattagami River

The Smoky Falls Dam Safety Project will rehabilitate the 100-year-old spillway and sluiceway structures at Ontario Power Generation's (OPG's) Smoky Falls Generating Station (GS), in northeast Ontario along the Lower Mattagami River.

The Smoky Falls Dam Safety Project is happening in conjunction with the nearby Little Long Dam Safety project, which will increase the discharge capacity at the eight-gate Adam Creek spillway structure located on the Little Long Reservoir, about 90 kilometres north of Kapuskasing.

Both projects support OPG's continued compliance with provincial dam safety requirements and our commitment to community safety measures in the event of climate change impacts.

Improving climate change resiliency

OPG is working to improve dam safety and help make our hydroelectric operations more resilient to climate change.

A key action in OPG’s Climate Change Plan is adaptation, which includes strengthening the company’s operations and infrastructure to be resilient against climate-related impacts.

“This important work is strengthening infrastructure in the area to ensure public safety and the safety of the environment. It will also help our hydro stations along the Mattagami River continue to operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.”
Paul Séguin
Senior Vice President of Renewable Generation at OPG

The plan also highlights continued investment in OPG’s hydro operations as an important part of becoming a net-zero carbon company by 2040.

Project progress

The Smoky Falls Dam Safety project commenced in September 2021. The scope of the project includes replacing two sluice gates, and permanently closing 25 surplus overflow spill bays (east and west) and eight surplus sluice gates/bays, to meet current dam safety requirements and ensure the dam's long-term integrity.

Smoky Falls GS with labels on the externally visible parts of the station

The majority of the Smoky Falls Dam Safety project involves heavy civil construction and provides employment and contracting opportunities for Indigenous communities, the residents of Kapuskasing and Smooth Rock Falls, and the surrounding area. The project’s contractor is handling the procurement and employment.

The Smoky Falls Dam Safety project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2025.

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Report Highlights:
  • Construction progress
  • Made in Ontario: Women in Trades

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