Ladysmith Begins Dam Removals, Trail Closure Affects Local Hikers

Cowichan — According to CHEK, the Town of Ladysmith has commenced the decommissioning of the Colonia and Mackie dams following provincial approval received earlier this week. The removal work, conducted by Spider Mountain Excavators, began on August 14 and is expected to be completed by September 16. Mayor Deena Beeston expressed satisfaction with the regulatory approvals, highlighting the significance of this project for the restoration of Holland Creek.

During the dam removal process, a 1.5-kilometre section of the North Loop of the Holland Creek / Heart Lake trail will be closed to the public. The town has established a detour route for trail users along Colonia Drive, Malone Road, and 6th Avenue. Beeston acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the trail closure and thanked the community for their patience.

The decommissioning of the Mackie Dam was previously postponed due to concerns from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) regarding potential threats to salmon in Holland Creek. A 2023 review indicated that the Mackie Dam did not meet safety standards and posed a hazard downstream, while also acting as a barrier to fish migration.

The project is funded by a $2.75 million grant from the B.C. government, which covers the removal of three dams along Holland Creek, including the Colonia and Mackie dams. The estimated cost for the Mackie Dam removal is around $600,000. By employing the same contractor for both projects, the town aims to reduce overall costs.

Upon completion, the removal of these dams is expected to restore approximately one kilometre of Holland Creek to its natural state, promoting the return of fish and other wildlife. The Colonia Dam, which has been inactive for decades, is located about 300 metres upstream from the Mackie Dam and was originally used for coal mining operations before the town inherited it and its water license prior to 1947.

For more information, visit Ladysmith.ca.

At a glance:

• Dam removal work started on August 14 and will conclude by September 16.
• A 1.5-kilometre section of the Holland Creek Trail is closed during this period.
• The project is funded by a $2.75 million B.C. grant.
• The Mackie Dam removal was postponed due to salmon safety concerns.
• The project aims to restore one kilometre of Holland Creek's natural habitat.

Sources

• CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/ladysmith-1-5-km-hiking-trail-closes-colonia-and-mackie-dam-removals-begin-1273036/
• Ladysmith: https://ladysmith.ca
• Govikesgo: https://govikesgo.com/calendar