Dam Safety Awareness for Small Owners

 

New initiative: Supporting small dam owners with essential safety knowledge

Not every dam is managed by a large utility company or major municipality—and that's exactly why our Francophone Committee is launching an important new initiative.

Across Quebec, countless small dams are owned by lodges, small municipalities, regional county municipalities, and other organizations that may not have dedicated engineering staff or extensive resources. These owners carry the same responsibilities for public safety, but often without the same access to guidance and support.

That's about to change.

Our Francophone Committee is developing a practical workshop designed specifically for small dam owners—an accessible introduction to the essential concepts they need to keep their structures safe. The workshop will cover everything from understanding available reference materials and identifying risks to implementing best practices for inspection and maintenance to navigating legal responsibilities.

The first workshop will be webcast in spring 2026, making it easy for owners across Quebec to participate from wherever they are. Looking ahead, the committee plans to bring this training directly to communities through regional in-person sessions, creating opportunities for dialogue, questions, and personalized guidance.

This is exactly the kind of work that strengthens dam safety across Canada—meeting owners where they are, sharing knowledge generously, and building capacity in communities that need it most.

Want to learn more or get involved? Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to launch!