Embro Dam Environmental Assessment moves forward 

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), along with Matrix Solutions Inc. as the consultant, is continuing work on the Class Environmental Assessment for Embro Dam within the Township of Zorra. The project is being undertaken under the Conservation Ontario Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects (June 2013).  

The Embro Dam is part of the Embro Conservation Area, located on Road 84 in Oxford County, Lot 15, Concession 4. The structure is situated on the Youngsville Drain (also known as Spring Creek) within the Mud Creek watershed. The conservation area is used for passive recreation including hiking, dog-walking, picnicking, etc.  

Embro Dam was constructed in 1959 for solely recreational purposes. The dam crest is approximately 93 m long, with a height of 4.5 m and a freeboard of 1.1 m. The dam has a small drainage area of roughly 7 km².  

The current Class Environmental Assessment was initiated in 2015 due to concerns regarding the stability of the dam’s embankments and hydraulic capacity of the spillway. A Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report was completed by TMHC Inc. in 2022. A Public Information Centre was held on Monday, January 30th 2023 to share information on the project and gather public feedback on proposed alternatives for Embro Dam. Information from the open house, including details on the proposed alternatives, can be found on the UTRCA website.

Moving forward, possible alternative solutions will be evaluated based on four criteria: technical/engineering, natural environmental, social/cultural environment, and economic. Public input will be also be considered.  

Contact: Sarbjit Singh, Water Control Structures Technologist