Trail closed during dam project

Work is starting on the Frazer Lake Dam located in Kelowna’s Upper Mission.

The city is advising trail users that the trail link across the dam is closed until the end of July due to the deployment of heavy equipment for deconstruction and rebuilding of the dam.

“The current dam was constructed in the early 1900s and does not meet the safety standards of today,” said Mike Kapiniak, project manager at the City of Kelowna. “Crews will be onsite to remove the old dam and construct a new one out of steel sheet piles.”

The overall height of the newly constructed dam will be lowered, and the walking path will be maintained. There will also be some tree removal as well as general clearing within the project limits.

“The lake is home to blue-listed species such as the painted turtle and spadefoot toad. To preserve these animals and their habitat, the dam will not be completely removed during construction,” said Kapiniak. “We are beginning the upgrades now to avoid the nesting season of the animals native to the area.”

An environmental management plan is in place that protects critical habitats and reduces negative impacts to the lake and surrounding areas. Disturbed areas will be restored.

Visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects to learn more about this project and others like it happening in the city.