Mitchell Dam and Reservoir – Overview
The Mitchell Dam creates a recreational reservoir for the local community to enjoy from mid-spring until mid-fall. The Mitchell Dam and Channel Improvement Project was an early project of the UTRCA. In 1959, the UTRCA undertook channel modifications along the North Thames River in Mitchell to relieve some of the town’s flooding issues. This work also involved acquiring some flood prone properties downstream of the existing dam, removing the affected structures, and turning the properties into green space. In 1963, the existing dam was replaced with a larger structure.
Facts about Mitchell Dam and Reservoir
- Completed: 1963, official opening September 22, 1964
- Cost: $260,000 (1963 dollars)
- Builder: Looby Construction Ltd, Dublin
- Drainage area: 166 square kilometres
- Reservoir water surface area (summer): 6 ha (46 acres)
- How it operates: 3 manual sluice gates, each 7.3 metres (24 feet) wide and 3 m (10 ft) high, are raised (opened) or lowered (closed) to control the flow of water through the structure
- The UTRCA is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the dam, and contracts the Municipality of West Perth to undertake routine operation and maintenance of the dam based on protocols and direction provided by the UTRCA.
View Mitchell Reservoir water levels
Dam and Reservoir Operations
During the winter and early spring, the reservoir is kept low to permit the North Thames River to freely pass through the structure and ensure ice does not damage the dam or gates. The reservoir remains at its winter levels through the spring thaw to ensure the dam has the capacity to safely discharge snowmelt and spring rains.
The reservoir is typically filled near the end of April. The timing of this operation is weather-dependent and may vary by a couple weeks.
When the reservoir is at its summer level, rain events that result in high flows in the North Thames River may require municipal staff to operate the dam gates based on protocols established by UTRCA, to permit floodwaters to pass through the structure without causing damage.
In early November, water from the reservoir is released, drawing the reservoir back down to its winter level.
