Bark Lake Dam and the Madawaska River Management Plan

Bark Lake Dam defines the start of the middle Madawaska River. Built for flood control, and peak power production its mandate now extends to a much broader scope, including white water recreation. Bark Lake is eastern Ontario’s second largest water reservoir and supplies the Madawaska River. In early spring, the water level in Bark Lake can be over 10 metres lower than summer levels, as its waters have been drawn down for power production through the cold winter months, on the 5 hydro-producing dams downstream. The spring freshet fills the lake back up in time for the May long weekend.

The Madawaska River produces what is called ‘peak power’—during high electrical consumption. In 1969, my parents Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff chose the Middle Madawaska for this reason – guaranteed warm water that drops over the top of the dam all summer long. Negotiating with Ontario Hydro the current schedule of 26 hours of water releases per week came to be. My parents asked “How much water needs to flow downstream over 7 days, even in periods of drought?” and then “Could this water be released during the day for white water recreation, replenished overnight?

Being in cottage country, keeping lake levels constant as well as providing downstream flows is a delicate balance. This balance is managed extremely well through the Madawaska River Management Plan. Created by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), through consultation with many stakeholders, this legally binding document helps manage the river along its 240 km length. This document has won national awards, and is now utilized in other river systems around the globe.

Reviews

5 star ratingAdventure Rafting Great day adventure rafting with friends and family. From bridge jumping, surfing, flipping the raft and the laughs in between. Thanks to our guide Tatiana for an entertaining 2 hours.
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Sherpa57752201563
8/05/2023
5 star ratingWhite water rafting Brilliant fun from start (jumping from a bridge into the river) to the end (flipping the raft)
Easily the best activity of our 2 week holiday in Ontario.
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simon o
8/03/2023
5 star ratingGreat experience for young or new rafters. We had an amazing white water experience with our two young daughters. Our guide Mel was so encouraging and fun in spite of the drizzle. Great interaction with our kids and would highly recommend this to families looking for their first rafting adventure.
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andrewsJ7602CG
8/24/2023
November 17th 10am - 6pm EST

Early bird sale.

20% OFF

all 2 and 5 day MKC kayak and canoe programs. Includes Yoga Week, Slalom Week, Week of Rivers, Women’s Week and Weekend, Family Weeks and Weekends, Senior’s Week, Kayak and canoe instructor courses

Must place deposit to receive discount. We cannot combine discounts.

early bird sale heron
March 4th - 8th 2024

10% off

5 day kayak + canoe courses

5% of all revenue from this week is donated to your choice of three organizations

We are forever grateful for the support we continually receive from our communities. To say a small thanks, we want to give back.