Dam management
Information about the rules for locating, constructing, operating and maintaining dams.
Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act
The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act requires dam owners to obtain approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources for:
- the construction of new dams
- certain repairs and alterations to existing dams
- certain water crossings and channelization works
Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act
Administrative guide
The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Administrative Guide outlines the broad requirements of the act, including roles and responsibilities, application of the act and steps in the review and approval process.
Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act administrative guide
Technical bulletins
The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act technical bulletins detail Ministry requirements for the location, design, construction, operation, decommissioning, removal, maintenance and safety of dams in Ontario.
- Alterations, improvements and repairs to existing dams
- Classification and inflow design flood criteria
- Dam decommissioning and removal
- Geotechnical design and factors of safety
- Location approval for dams
- Maintaining water management plans
- Seismic hazard criteria, assessment and considerations
- Spillways and flood control structures
- Structural design and factors of safety
A Framework for Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act agreements for alterations, improvements and repairs to dams
This framework provides guidance to dam owners, general public and Indigenous communities regarding Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act section 16 agreements.
Best management practices
These guides provide guidance to dam owners to ensure dam safety.
How to remove a dam
A landowner’s guide to removing small dams in Ontario