Lake Country, B.C. – The District of Lake Country is proceeding with critical geotechnical assessment and engineering documentation work at Crooked Lake Dam to meet regulatory requirements set by the Province of British Columbia’s Dam Safety Program, with funding support through the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program.
The Province’s Dam Safety Officer requires dam owners to maintain up-to-date engineering assessments and documentation to demonstrate the structural integrity and safe operation of regulated dams. In response, the District must complete detailed geotechnical investigations and engineering reviews of Crooked Lake Dam to ensure compliance with Ministry of Environment and Dam Safety Officer requirements.
“This project is about planning ahead,” said Mayor Blair Ireland. “By investing in a better understanding of the current condition of Crooked Lake Dam, we’re making informed decisions that will help protect our water resources, support local agriculture, and ensure this vital infrastructure continues serving our community for years to come. In this year of drought, it is more important than ever to strengthen Lake Country’s water resilience and plan for a more secure future.”
Originally constructed approximately 90 years ago, with its last major upgrades occurring in the 1960s, Crooked Lake Dam has limited historical records documenting its structural condition. This project addresses those gaps by providing a modern, comprehensive understanding of the dam’s foundation, embankment stability, and overall geotechnical performance.
“Completing this work is essential to meeting provincial dam safety regulations and ensuring we are managing this infrastructure responsibly,” said Shelby McFarlane, Engineering Technician with the District of Lake Country. “These assessments give us the technical information needed to confirm the dam’s condition and plan any future upgrades in a safe and informed way.”
Crooked Lake is a key component of the regional water system, storing drinking water that feeds into Beaver Lake and ultimately Vernon Creek. This water supply also supports agricultural irrigation and plays an important role in the long-term viability of farming in the region. Maintaining the structural integrity of Crooked Lake Dam is therefore essential not only for regulatory compliance, but also for protecting the community’s water security and agricultural economy. The completed assessments will give the District a clearer understanding of the dam's condition, helping guide future upgrades or rehabilitation work and supporting the long-term reliability of this critical water storage asset.
In addition to strengthening public safety and environmental stewardship, this work supports long-term financial planning by enabling the District of Lake Country to anticipate and manage the cost of future capital upgrades. This approach helps reduce the likelihood of unexpected financial impacts on residents while ensuring the continued reliability of this critical water storage asset.
Funding for 50% of this project has been provided by the Government of British Columbia through the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
For more information contact:
Shelby McFarlane
Engineering Technician
District of Lake Country
[email protected]
250-766-5650