Williams Lake cofferdam

Installation of a cofferdam is an essential phase of Build Nova Scotia’s construction project to replace the deteriorating, 255-year-old dam on Williams Lake.
Established in 1968 for the Preservation of Williams Lake

Installation of a cofferdam is an essential phase of Build Nova Scotia’s construction project to replace the deteriorating, 255-year-old dam on Williams Lake.

Construction on the long-anticipated replacement of the Williams Lake dam is set to begin this June, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance safety for people living in the area, protect their properties, and the ecosystem. The Province is investing $4.965 million in this project, which is being managed by Build Nova Scotia.

Lake levels will begin to drop today and continue over the next 2.5 week as the construction site is prepared for the next important phase of the building of the new dam.

Here’s the WLCC Newsletter for 2026 and your invitation to the AGM (open to the public).
Announcement of the new dam, Oct 2024:
(L to R) David Benoit, Kathleen Hall, Councillor Patty Cuttell, Minister Brendan Maguire, Margo Kerr, Minister Kim Masland, Councillor Shawn Cleary, Johnathan Veale. Photo: Michael Herrick

Williams Lake dam – Dexter Construction will temporarily lower the lake level for the installation of coffer dam.
Photo: Cathy Vaughan, May 18, 2026