Ruth Falls

Construction has been underway since July 2025, and crews have made significant progress. Completed work includes:

• New access roads
• Demolition and construction of the east spillway
• Demolition and partial construction of the west spillway
• Construction of the west retaining wall
• Completion of both the east and west sluice bays
• Completion of main dam spillway
• Rubber bag installation completed
• Canal louvre upgrade completed
• Preparatory work for fish passage upgrades including rock breaking completed
  

These steps form the foundation of the upgraded dam structure.

The original delay was due to several conditions crews encountered when the water was drawn down, could not be fully assessed earlier due to water elevations. These included:

• Depth and precise location of bedrock along the dam and fish passage  
• Condition of the concrete below the water line 

These findings required adjustments to the design and additional construction work.

This summer, Nova Scotia experienced significant rainfall in the area, which impacted our ability to keep the water level low enough for safe work.

The original completion target of March 31, 2026 was not achievable, and a schedule extension was subsequently granted to September 30, 2026. Due to significant weather-related delays and flooding of site, this date is no longer attainable. As a result, water-up activities have been deferred, and the current target water-up date for the Ruth Falls Headpond is November 30, 2026. Until the dam structure / fish passage are fully operational, Nova Scotia Power is required to keep the Ruth Falls Headpond in a lowered and safe work state.

Remaining work includes:

• Constructing the center sluice bay ongoing
• Upgrades to existing fish passage ongoing
• New eel passage installation ongoing

To help maintain momentum, Nova Scotia Power is:

• Adjusting the construction sequence
• Prioritizing completion of the main dam structure first
• Extending workdays and increasing weekend work
• Coordinating closely with snow, access, and environmental teams

Nova Scotia Power worked closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to minimize impacts and compensate for residual impacts to fish passage during the upstream migration season. 

Yes. Nova Scotia Power is seeking:

• An extension to drawdown activities through its Fisheries Authorization Act

These updates reflect the adjusted schedule and construction sequence.

Construction will continue through the spring and into the summer, and residents should expect ongoing impacts beyond general construction traffic. These include:

• Construction activity and access: Increased equipment on site, periodic traffic delays, active work on some weekends, and occasional noise. We’ll work to minimize disruption and provide notice where possible.
• Water supply follow‑up: We will re‑instate water supply support for local residents living along the Ruth Falls reservoir whose wells were impacted by the water draw-down. Our team will reach out directly to affected households with next steps and timing.
• Recreational access constraints: Access to the reservoir will be limited while water levels remain lowered. Property owners may choose not to install floating docks or launch boats due to lower water levels and shoreline conditions.
• Continued shoreline exposure: Lower water levels may expose organic material along the shoreline. We’ll monitor conditions and address issues where feasible.

We will continue providing regular updates as construction progresses and schedules evolve.
If major changes arise, we will share them promptly with the community through community letters, our project webpage (nspower.ca/ruthfalls), and email updates. To be added to our update list, please email engage@nspower.ca.

Residents are encouraged to reach out anytime at engage@nspower.ca. We’re here to help and appreciate your patience as we work through the remaining stages of this important project.