ICYMI: Possibly no ice fishing this winter on Belwood Lake

This article was previously published on EloraFergusToday.

BELWOOD – The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) said it may not be able to allow ice fishing this winter at Belwood Lake due to maintenance work on the Shand Dam.

A media release from the GRCA said it is preparing to do maintenance on the Shand Dam, pending board approval later this month. 

To accommodate the work, water in the reservoir will be lowered at a faster rate than is typical for this time of year causing fluctuating water levels.

The release said cottagers and visitors can expect some disruptions to the operation of the conservation area. 

The boat launch is closed, some parking spaces at the Belwood Lake Conservation Area will be reserved for contractors and a portion of the Elora Cataract Trail that crosses the dam will be partially blocked during the project.

“Discharges from the Shand Dam will not affect trout spawning in the Grand River downstream. However, it is anticipated that ice fishing will not be permitted at Belwood Lake Conservation Area this winter,” the release said.

Updates on the project and any impacts to the conservation area will be posted to the GRCA’s website.