Project Overview

The City of Cambridge completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to assess various management alternatives for the Riverside Dam to address concerns related to the deteriorating condition of the dam. The study established a long-list of management approaches and related alternative solutions, and conducted an evaluation of each alternative using appropriate technical, natural, social and economic criteria leading to a short-list of alternatives.  Further technical analyses was completed for the short-listed alternatives, including generation of conceptual designs which considered public and agency input. A preferred alternative to rebuild the dam was advanced and recommended for implementation. The Project File was completed and the Notice of Study Completion issued. During the Public Review Period the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) received five (5) Part II Order Requests. The Ministry has now completed their review and the five Requests were denied by the Minister meaning that the City can proceed with implementation of the recommended alternative.

Progress to date
Upcoming work
Documents, reports and updates

Progress to Date

  • Four public information centres were held.
  • Stakeholder Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory Committee meetings took place throughout the study to date.
  • Two Technical Memorandums were prepared.
  • Staff delivered Report 18-016(CD) to Council March 6, 2018.
  • Council received Report 18-066(CD) from staff on April 17, 2018 that outlined an approach to revisit the preliminary preferred alternative.
  • Staff delivered Report 18-103(CD) to Council June 26, 2018.
  • Completed Project File in July 2018.
  • Project File was posted for a 60 day public review period.
  • Five (5) Part II Order Requests were received by MECP.
  • The Minister of MECP denied the five Part II Order Requests (links to the Minister's letter and the decision table are below).
  • Reviewed next steps for implementation of recommended alternative.
  • City is preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) document to retain a consultant for the implementation phase.

Upcoming Work

  • Complete and issue the RFP.
  • At the completion of the RFP process, award the Riverside Dam design assignment to the successful consultant.
  • Initiate the design.

Study Area

Riverside Dam study area

Documents, reports and updates

Contact Information

Mr. Scott MacDonald, P. Eng
Project Engineer
City of Cambridge
Development & Infrastructure
50 Dickson Street
Cambridge, ON  N1R 5W8
T.: (519) 623-1340 Ext 4679
macdonaldscott@cambridge.ca