Bridge and dam rehabilitation in Wakefield, Quebec

Project description 

Located in Wakefield on Mill Road, the Wakefield Dam and Bridge are owned by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and are an important part of the region's tourist appeal. The dam regulates the water level of the Rivière La Pêche, which flows into the Gatineau River some 600 m downstream of the dam. The bridge also links two sites in Gatineau Park, near the Wakefield Mill hotel and spa, and leads to the Wakefield cemetery and residential properties. Three buildings surrounding the bridge and dam have federal heritage designations (the grist mill, the MacLaren house and the old miller's house).  

A recent assessment of the structure's condition revealed significant deterioration, leading to a recommendation for immediate rehabilitation to avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future. The NCC therefore proposes to rehabilitate the superstructure (concrete deck, railings and road network) and substructure (piers, soffits and retaining walls) of the bridge and dam. The functionality of the dam will be maintained in the new construction, and the work is not expected to alter the flow regime of the La Pêche River.  

Construction will start in the fall of 2024 and be completed in spring 2025.  

Construction phases  

  • Installation of closure signage and traffic control measures. 

  • Mobilization of the contractor on site. 

  • Installation of fencing, scaffolding, cofferdams, and environmental protection measures. 

  • Partial depth concrete removal and repairs under the bridge piers, nosing, vertical faces, and soffit. 

  • Installation of new structural steel beams at the bridge soffit.  

  • Removal of asphalt from the top of the bridge.  

  • Partial depth concrete removal and repair of the top of deck and curbs.  

  • Waterproofing of upper deck and installation of asphalt. 

  • Site reinstatement. 

The project is proposed by the NCC, on lands under its stewardship (Gatineau Park). It is subject to federal land use, design and transaction approval under the National Capital Act. Coordination with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is required, as DFO must complete a review of the project and issue a letter of advice or authorization under the Fisheries Act for planned work in fish habitat. 

More

Latest update

May 02, 2025 - The assessment decision statement has been issued to the proponent.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document Number Document Title File Date
3 Notice of Determination - March 24, 2025
2 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination – Start of Public Comment Period - August 14, 2024
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination – Start of Public Comment Period - August 14, 2024

Contacts

National Capital Commission
Environmental Assessment
40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A8
Email: IA-EI@ncc-ccn.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Bridge and dam rehabilitation in Wakefield, Quebec (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Highways and Roads
    • Dams and reservoirs

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2024-08-14

  • Proponent

    National Capital Commission

  • Authorities

    • National Capital Commission

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    88825

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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