To ensure a reliable water supply continues to be provided to Northern Saskatchewan, the Water Security Energy is upgrading the three dam structures at Cowan, Candle, and Christopher Lake.

Patrick Boyle with the Water Security Agency says the Cowan Lake project is the largest of the three and will be a multi-year project.

“That detailed design is going to be worked on. We’re going to be looking at replacing that structure with a new one. That includes upgrading that dam, replacing the control structure, and the riffle fishway that’s approximately 35 metres upstream from the existing structure.”

The Candle Lake Dam is receiving work to improve safety and operating conditions, including a new pedestrian walkway, and the Christopher Lake outlet will receive public fencing and guardrails.

“You always need to ensure your structures are efficient, that they can operate, and that they’re safe. That way we can continue to manage water and supply water to those areas that need it, whether that’s recreation, drinking water, or agricultural.”

In response to the recent auditor’s report, which instructed the Agency to finalize its policy on wetland retention requirements and report publicly on its regulation of the drainage of water on agricultural lands, Boyle says the WSA has made a lot of strides in that department and continues to work on improvements.