Rideau Falls Dam Complex
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About the dam complex
Aerial view of the Rideau Falls Dam Complex. (Select the image to enlarge)
The Rideau Falls Dam Complex is located in Ottawa, Ontario, where the Rideau River flows into the Ottawa River. The complex consists of 2 dams, the East and West dams. The dams regulate the water levels and flow in the Rideau River between Hog’s Back Falls and Rideau Falls.
Each spring, the dams coordinate with the City of Ottawa’s ice blasting operations.
History of the dam complex
The Rideau Falls Dam Complex consists of 2 concrete dams constructed in the 1800s to manage water levels on the Rideau River:
- 1968: the East Dam was replaced
- 1999: the West Dam was largely reconstructed
Operations and maintenance
We manage water levels in coordination with Parks Canada and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. Our employees operate the flow control equipment at the dams, which consists of:
- 2 openings with mechanical gates
- 10 other openings with stop logs