Candle Lake Control Structure and Fishway Upgrades  

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is planning the Candle Lake Control Structure and Fishway Upgrades Project to improve public safety, protect the riverbed from erosion, help fish move safely between Candle Lake and Torch River, and ensure the long-term reliability of the dam and control structure.

The project includes building a new concrete stilling basin, replacing aging gates, improving the fishway, installing high-visibility all-season safety booms, and adding fencing and safety signage. Together, these upgrades will complete the major improvements at the Candle Lake Control Structure.

•  Improve public safety around the dam
• Reduce riverbed erosion downstream of the control structure
• Help fish move safely between Candle Lake and Torch River
• Replace aging infrastructure installed in 1977
• Complete the second and final phase of upgrades
• Maintain reliable operation of the control structure
• Construction planned for 2029

When water is released from the Candle Lake Control Structure, high-energy flows can erode the riverbed and create deep pools downstream.

The greatest erosion occurs where smooth water flowing beneath the gates suddenly changes into fast-moving, turbulent whitewater. Engineers refer to this as a hydraulic jump.

If left unchecked, erosion could affect the long-term stability of the control structure. The deep pools can also trap fish downstream of the structure. While large rocks (riprap) have been used as a temporary measure to reduce erosion, they can potentially strand fish along the riverbank.

The current control structure was built in 1977 and is due for operational and safety upgrades.

WSA completed the first phase of improvements in 2023. The Control Structure and Fishway Upgrades Project represent the second and final phase and will complete the major upgrades at the Candle Lake Control Structure.

A new concrete stilling basin will be constructed downstream of the control structure.

The basin is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of flowing water, forcing the hydraulic jump to occur within the engineered structure rather than in the riverbed. This will:

• Reduce erosion downstream of the control structure
• Protect the long-term stability of the dam
• Reduce deep pool formation
• Help fish move more safely through the area
• Reduce the likelihood of fish becoming trapped downstream

The existing fishway south of the control structure does not provide effective year-round fish passage. High water velocities, steep channel slopes and shallow water depths make it difficult for fish to move upstream from Torch River to Candle Lake.

The project will replace the existing fishway with an improved design that includes pools and rock riffles to create better flow conditions and more suitable water depths. Once completed, the fishway will operate throughout the year, supporting fish movement in all seasons, improving aquatic habitat, and enhancing water quality downstream.

Public safety is a key part of this project.

WSA will install new high-visibility, all-season safety booms at both the fishway and control structure inlets and the control structure outlet. Additional improvements will include:

• Fencing around the new stilling basin
• Fishway improvements
• Additional safety signage where needed

These improvements will help keep visitors safe while supporting the long-term operation of the control structure.

Construction is planned outside the peak recreation season, between September and March, to minimize impacts on campers, cabin owners, boaters, anglers, businesses and other lake users.

During construction, residents and visitors can expect:

• Ongoing activity near the construction site
• Earth-moving equipment and construction crews
• Temporary restrictions near the dam and fishway
• Project updates and communication from WSA

WSA recognizes that lake levels are important to residents, businesses and recreational users. The agency plans to maintain lake levels within their normal operating range during construction whenever possible.

Public safety is a key part of this project.

WSA will install new high-visibility, all-season safety booms at both the fishway and control structure inlets and the control structure outlet. Additional improvements will include:

• Fencing around the new stilling basin
• Fishway improvements
• Additional safety signage where needed

These improvements will help keep visitors safe while supporting the long-term operation of the control structure.

The project may be of interest to:

• Candle Lake residents
• Cabin owners
• Campground users
• Boaters and anglers
• Businesses operating in the area
• Indigenous communities
• Municipalities
• Visitors to Candle Lake Provincial Park

The control structure plays an important role in maintaining water levels in Candle Lake while regulating outflows into Torch River. WSA is working closely with the Ministry of Parks as project planning progresses.

• Construction: Planned to begin in 2028, likely between September and March. August 2028 may see contractor mobilize and prepare to begin construction in September.
• Project Completion: Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2029.

The construction schedule has been selected to avoid the peak recreation season and help minimize environmental impacts.

WSA is committed to keeping the public informed throughout project planning and construction.

Residents, Indigenous communities, municipalities, recreation groups, businesses and other interested parties will have opportunities to learn more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback as planning continues.

For more information about the Candle Lake Control Structure and Fishway Upgrades Project, please contact: 

WSA Client Services
client.service@wsask.ca
866.727-5420