Sep 22, 2023

Upgrades to Stocking Lake Dam complete

The Town of Ladysmith and Cowichan Valley Regional District have completed several key infrastructure upgrades to the Stocking Lake Dam, continuing the ongoing investment in the preservation of our respective communities’ drinking water.

The Stocking Lake Dam is an earth-fill dam constructed from natural materials and maintained to Provincial standards through an agreement between the municipality and regional district. 

Water drawn from Stocking Lake is the drinking water source for the residents of Ladysmith in the winter months, as well as the CVRD Area G (Saltair).

The project scope for the work completed in recent weeks involved two parts – addressing a leak that was identified over the winter and further strengthening the dam itself.  

Ladysmith utilities staff inspect the Stocking Dam weekly to ensure that it is functioning properly.

The contractor retained by the Town for this project removed material from the dam on the downstream side and laid rock riprap to further reinforce the structure.

Secondly, to address the leak, loose material was removed from the spillway channel and a water barrier was installed and topped with rock.

We appreciate the cooperation of residents who were impacted by the trail closures during the completion of the work.

The Town and CVRD continue to explore funding opportunities from senior levels of government for the dam replacement. A preliminary design for a new dam was completed in 2021.

A new dam would increase the lake storage capacity by both raising the height of the structure and lowering the intake pipe.

Ladysmith Council’s strategic priorities for this term include the advancement of projects that renew our infrastructure and accommodate for future growth.