The project is estimated to take two years to complete. This would include two years of grass regrowth on the vegetation layer.
Erosion Rehabilitation
Millbrook Dam Restoration Project
Otonabee Conservation will be working to repair the embankment surrounding the Millbrook Dam.
Bare spots have developed on the earth embankment dam that could compromise the structural integrity by exposing soil to possible severe erosion from rainfall or overtopping.
Restoration Project Outline:
Otonabee Conservation proposes to permanently restore the embankment dam by:
1) Promoting use of designated pedestrian path / walkway.
2) Deterring access to those areas most susceptible to damage from pedestrian foot traffic.
3) Restoring the stabilizing / erosion resistant vegetative cover.
The project anticipated to last two years.
Read the July 2026 Media Release
Historical Context
- The dam is a 128-metre-long earth embankment dam crossing Baxter Creek valley, first constructed in 1822 to 1824.
- Between 2017 and 2019, the Millbrook Dam under went major repair to upgrade the dam's design and construction deficiencies. This was to bring the dam to provincial compliance requirements.
Images of the damaged vegetation cover on the Millbrook Dam embankment.
Restoration project frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long is the project estimated to take?
What is grass being planted instead of plants or trees?
Trees and plants have roots too large to be planted on the embankment. These roots would grow into the Flaxamat (stabilizing flexible concreate block mat) and disrupt the integrity of the dam.
A special mixture of grass species (Turf-Type Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass and Creeping Red Fescue) is being planted which:
- is a durable, drought tolerant grass blend
- grows quicky to establish immediate stabilization
- spreads to create a tight, uniform mat, that can, through underground rhizomes, quickly fill bare spots if they develop.
2019 Flexamat Installation
Video provided by Flexamat Permanent Erosion Control
Images provided by Flexamat Permanent Erosion Control
2019 Dam Restoration
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