Silver Lake Revitalization

Silver Lake was created in the 1850’s when a dam was constructed on the Lynn River to power a local mill. In the 1990’s, the Port Dover Lions Club purchased property along the western shore of Silver Lake and began developing Silver Lake Park.

Silver Lake has acted as a silt trap protecting the lower Lynn River and Port Dover harbour for over 150 years. When the water was lowered in 1999 to inspect Misner Dam, almost half of Silver Lake was silted in. Phragmites and Purple Loose Strife had begun to dominate the lake bed.

In 2019, Norfolk County Council established the Task Force Regarding the Misner Dam Repair and Silver Lake Revitalization Projects that included two Norfolk County Councilors as well as representatives from the Association and other community organizations. The Task Force Report concluded that:

“The repair of Misner Dam and revitalization of Silver Lake will benefit the people of Norfolk County and showcase what can be achieved when the community works together effectively with all levels of government.”

With Norfolk County Council’s decision not to provide funding and a written expression of support for the Silver Lake Revitalization Project, the Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association has reluctantly decided to discontinue its leadership role in this initiative as of March 31, 2024.

Our members have invested a lot of time and energy in the pursuit of this project. With the assistance of many volunteers and local organizations, we have made improvements to Silver Lake. However, without the County’s support, we do not believe it will be possible to raise the funds that will be required to revitalize Silver Lake.

We still passionately believe Silver Lake is an integral part of the fabric of this community and that it provides many social, environmental, and economic benefits. We will gladly share all information we have accumulated over the last several years and provide support to anyone willing to lead any initiative that will contribute to the revitalization of Silver Lake.

To find out more information or to become involved, please contact us.