Jude Osmond
Published online March 25, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
OTTAWA RIVER — Twenty-three participants attended an online presentation hosted by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on March 11, focused on the company’s water management operations.
The virtual session provided an overview of the dams and generating stations owned and operated by OPG, including several in the Pontiac region such as Chats Falls, Des Joachims and Chenaux.
Presenters explained how water is managed across the system, including factors that influence flooding.
The session was led by Jennifer Gardner, communications advisor; Jordan Hughes, water management technician; Melissa Vogl, water manager; and Glen Denney, hydro operations manager.
“A key takeaway about OPG’s operations along the Ottawa River is the importance of understanding the scale of the watershed,” said Gardner. “The Ottawa River watershed is larger than England, and about 60% of the basin has no significant water storage capacity. This means water in that portion of the watershed cannot be stored.”
Des Joachims Generating Station was highlighted as one of the largest dams in the Pontiac region, with a storage capacity of 226 million cubic metres, which presenters compared to approximately 141 Rogers Centres. In contrast, Chats Falls Generating Station is a run-of-river facility with limited water storage capacity, though both sites are significantly affected by the spring freshet due to their location along the Ottawa River. A freshet occurs when large amounts of snow melt rapidly, often combined with spring rainfall, increasing river flows over several weeks.
“OPG’s commitment to the environment is demonstrated through integrated water management, operating clean and renewable hydro facilities, and maintaining and modernizing station infrastructure,” Gardner said.
The presentation also outlined seasonal considerations in water management, with staff explaining how operations are adjusted throughout the year.
Participants asked questions about freshet conditions and rising reservoir levels. OPG representatives said water levels are managed year-round to reduce the risk of major flooding.
Presenters also discussed station operations, noting that each facility employs approximately 20 to 30 people. They highlighted the role of committees and the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board secretariat, which monitor river conditions and oversee the gradual drawdown of reservoirs.
Gardner said OPG values its role in the communities where it operates and aims to build strong relationships through events like the presentation.
More information about OPG and its water management operations is available online at water.opg.com.
Photo: Chenaux Generating Station. (OPG)
