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Enhancing public safety around dams case study
Published on 21 May ‘25
Enhancing public safety around dams: Norwich Dam case study
Enhancing public safety around dams in Canada

Ensuring public safety around dams is a critical responsibility for communities and conservation authorities. In the heart of Norwich, Ontario, the scenic Otter Creek winds its way through the community. It culminates at the Norwich Dam — a structure central to local recreation and water management. But as with many dams across Canada, this vital infrastructure posed a serious safety risk to the public. This was especially true for recreational users upstream. The local authority recognized this risk and initiated a solutions-driven approach to mitigating hazards and protecting the public.

The Challenge: Public safety risks at Norwich Dam

Dams and reservoirs, while vital for recreation and water management, pose inherent dangers to the public, especially to unsuspecting canoeists, kayakers, swimmers and boaters who may drift too close.

At Norwich Dam, the need for improved safety was clear. The area upstream of the dam – known as the headpond – can appear deceptively calm. It attracts visitors for recreation, but strong currents, changing water levels and sudden drops create hazardous conditions, particularly near the dam face.

Adding to the complexity, this was not just a summer concern. The boom system would need to withstand all four seasons, surviving not only water flow but also the harsh winter freeze-thaw cycles, ice buildup and debris impact.

Key risks identified

1. Accidental entry of boaters or swimmers into hazardous zones.
2. Insufficient physical barriers to prevent access to dangerous waters.
3. Environmental challenges such as ice loads and debris impacting safety infrastructure.
4. The need for compliance with evolving safety standards and regulatory guidelines.

The solution: A safety infrastructure upgrade

To address these issues, the authority initiated a plan to implement a permanent public safety boom system upstream of Norwich Dam. That’s where our partner, ADOR – for Ecocoast projects in Canada – came in.

The installed solution was a fully customized Bolina Watercraft Safety Boom CAB400, selected for its proven durability and performance in challenging environmental conditions. Our team engineered the boom system to redirect waterway users away from the dam’s danger zone. We carefully selected its alignment to ensure low-flow interaction, aiding in swimmer self-rescue and minimizing hydraulic risk.

We designed the system to remain in place year-round. It is built specifically to withstand ice loads, high flow conditions and heavy debris during spring thaw or storm events.

The solution adhered to all requirements outlined by the Guidelines for Public Safety Around Dams and Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, ensuring both safety and ecological responsibility.

Results: A safer, more resilient Norwich Dam

The public safety boom transformed Norwich Dam from a potential danger point into a clearly defined and proactively managed safety zone.

By prioritizing a problem-solving approach, the Norwich Dam project delivered a boom system that:

1. Effectively prevents unauthorized access to dangerous waters.
2. Withstands harsh seasonal and environmental conditions.
3. Aligns with best practices for public safety around dams.
4. Minimizes long-term maintenance needs and operational disruptions.

This project stands as a model for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating that a holistic, solutions-oriented strategy can significantly enhance public safety while meeting environmental and regulatory requirements.

Why this matters

Communities across Canada continue to embrace outdoor water recreation. With this increased use comes a greater responsibility to protect lives. Projects like the Norwich Dam boom installation demonstrate how engineering solutions, informed by local knowledge, can mitigate risk effectively. These solutions are customized to site-specific challenges and remain affordable.

If your community is considering public safety improvements around water infrastructure, take inspiration from Norwich Dam. Start with the problem, involve stakeholders and pursue a custom, compliant solution that stands the test of time.

Interested in how public safety boom solutions can protect your community? Contact our team to learn how our approach can be adapted to your dam or water infrastructure project.

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