Mathieu-d’Amours Dam in Maten: No work at least before 2025

Delays are mounting on the Mathieu-d’Amours Dam reconstruction project in the heart of downtown Matane. TVA Novelles learned that the site will not have work until at least 2025.

The bill for the work now exceeds the $50 million mark.

The Mathieu-d’Amours Dam in the heart of downtown Matane has reached the end of its useful life. The structure, built in 1971, no longer meets all minimum safety standards, particularly with regard to evacuation capacity.

Religion is the main symbol of infrastructure.

“Whether it’s the construction of Salmon Pass or this dam, among other things, it’s really a part of Matane’s identity in terms of tourism,” explained Matane Mayor Eddie Metivier.

A dam demolition and reconstruction project led by the Ministry of Environment is on the table from 2018. Initially, project cost estimates varied between $7 and $15 million. The bill has steadily increased over the years. A revised cost estimate indicates the renovation will cost more than $50 million. It is now a major public infrastructure project.

The Ministry of Environment, Combating Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks must deliver new deliverables. No work is planned at the site this year and in 2024. The schedule for the project is in progress.

“You have to take the time to do things right, but we have wonderful conversations with people in ministry who really listen. For us, what is important, of course, is the safety of citizens. This is level access for people with reduced mobility, pedestrians crossing the dam in the future. And we, the city, can spend time synchronizing other projects that can be done in parallel,” adds Mr. Metivier.

The new work will comply with the requirements of the Dam Safety Act. Quebec ensures that the potential impact of climate change is taken into account in the project.

“This is part of our observations and they still listen to us on that side. They take into account, yes, climate change. They will also add another sluice on the dam to deal with these changes,” added Matane Mayor.

A fish pass is also planned for the future dam. This part of the project will be developed with the Société de Gestion de la Rivière Maten. The configuration differs depending on the ministry for greater efficiency.