It will cost more than $4.5 million to fix “serious deficiencies” found in Brampton’s more than 60-year-old Claireville Dam – an aging piece of flood-control infrastructure that carries “the highest ranking for hazard to life and property,” according to a new report.

Built in 1964, the Claireville Dam is located north of Finch Avenue and west of Highway 407 in Brampton, and was constructed in the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel a decade earlier.

Over 80 people died after the storm brought flooding to the Toronto area and left thousands homeless.

But the structure, which provides flood protection for downstream communities on the West Humber River, needs millions in repairs, including “serious deficiencies” in the gates and downstream spillway wing wall, according to a City of Brampton report.

Recent inspections have found corrosion of sections of radial gates, gate motors and controls that need updating, and damage to the wing wall.

“Given the high hazard classification of the Dam, it is imperative that the deficiencies be addressed to restore full operational competency,” the report reads.

The repairs are estimated to cost $4,562,500, with over $3.3 million coming from the province. The remaining funds will come from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, which owns and operates the dam.

The TCRA says the dam’s condition is “fair,” but adds that it is classified “as a very high hazard dam,” meaning there is risk to life and property if the dam fails due to its proximity to urban centres.

The dam is constructed of an earthen embankment and a concrete spillway, with five radial arm gates to control flow. The 15-meter-high, 375-meter-long dam impounds up to 5 million m3 of floodwater during storm events.

Repair work is expected to start in June, and will include:

Repairs to the corroded sections of the gate to restore their full functionality.
Coating all gates with corrosion-resistant paint to extend their useful life and to reduce future maintenance costs.
Upgrade of gate motors and controls to ensure operability in all flood conditions.
Demolition of damaged wingwall and construction of new wing wall.
Installation of access points and fall arrest equipment to allow TRCA staff to properly inspect and maintain the gates.


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