Historic Drought Hits Willisville After Dam Failures

The community of Willisville, Ontario, is grappling with an unprecedented drought, directly linked to the prolonged disrepair of the Frood Lake Dam. Residents, numbering around 200, alongside 50 seasonal cottage owners, have witnessed their primary water source, Frood Lake, reach historic low levels. This severe shortage has had a significant impact on local businesses, particularly fishing camps that are integral to the area's economy.

This year's water crisis followed a period of severe spring flooding. Residents recount how upstream dam operations exacerbated the flooding, overwhelming the local system. The dramatic shift from extreme high water levels during the spring to the current drought conditions has left the community in disbelief and facing operational challenges, including early closures for tourism seasons.

The Frood Lake Dam has reportedly been leaking for at least two decades, with the Ministry of Natural Resources acknowledging the issue for over 25 years. Despite prior warnings and known structural issues, a replacement dam is now slated for construction in the spring, with planning and design phases nearing completion. Residents question the extended timeline for such a critical repair, emphasizing their community's dire situation.

Long-term residents and third-generation cottage owners, like John Mastin, whose grandfather was famed artist Franklin Carmichael, have never seen the lakes this low. The reduced water levels have made vital waterways impassable, isolating properties and impacting access. Concerns are also raised about the water-intensive operations of a nearby quarry, further straining the diminishing water supply.