Misner Dam

Thompson’s Dam was constructed on the Lynn River in Port Dover in the 1850s and replaced in 1918 by what has become known locally as Misner Dam. In 2010, an engineering assessment concluded that Misner Dam was unsafe and should be either repaired or removed. An ad hoc community group called the Friends of Silver Lake immediately formed. The group became a Committee of the Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association and began advocating for the repair of Misner Dam to save Silver Lake and to help prevent silt from flowing into the lower Lynn River and Port Dover harbour.

The Association’s lobbying efforts included numerous deputations, public meetings, and Letters to the Editor as well as one on one meetings with Norfolk County Staff and local politicians. In 2019, Norfolk County invited the Association to participate on a County led Task Force of Community representatives regarding the Misner Dam and Silver Lake Revitalization Projects. The Task Force concluded that Misner Dam should be repaired as it was the least expensive option to prevent silt from flowing into the lower Lynn River and Port Dover harbour. The Task Force also noted that the revitalization of Silver Lake would be “desirable and achievable” if Misner Dam were repaired. Based on the Task Force’s report, Norfolk County awarded the contract to repair Misner Dam and work started in the summer of 2020.

The Misner Dam repair is expected to be completed by the summer of 2021. The community is already enjoying an improved view of the Lynn River and preparing for recreational activities to return on Silver Lake. The Association is planning to host a Misner Dam celebration once Covid-19 restrictions permit.