Ruth Falls

The Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project

The Sheet Harbour Hydro System, including generation at Malay Falls and Ruth Falls has been providing clean, renewable and reliable electricity to Nova Scotians for nearly one hundred years.

Nova Scotia Power will be completing upgrades to the system located at Ruth Falls. The focus of this project is to bring the dam up to current Canadian Dam Association standards and meet the requirements of Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) approval for the water withdrawal on the Sheet Harbour Hydro System.

Ruth Falls Dam

Scope of Work

The upgrades to the Ruth Falls system includes:

  • Replacing 30 stoplog bays with 7 rubber dam sections and one free overflow spillway section.
  • Replacing 3 deep stoplog bays with 3 vertical lift gates.
  • Refacing of the concrete spillway surface
  • Construction of a new steel walkway platform across the length of the dam.
  • Improvements to the existing upstream fishway, downstream louvre system, and addition of the new upstream eel ramp.

Project Timeline

Ruth Falls Dam
  • May 14, 2025: General contractor mobilization to site
  • May 15 - July 21, 2025: Preparatory work that does not require reservoir drawdown
  • July 21 - July 28: Ruth Falls reservoir drawdown
  • July 28, 2025 – March 31, 2026: Dam refurbishment construction activities
  • April 1, 2026: Ruth Falls reservoir water up
  • April 1 – 30, 2026: Demobilization and site clean-up

Environmental Considerations

We are committed to protecting the environment, fish and fish habitat.

Permits and Inspection
We have acquired a Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) Watercourse Alteration Approval, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Act Authorization and Transport Canada Navigable Waters Permit to complete the work.
As part of the regulatory permitting process, we are working with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and MacInnis Natural Resources Services Inc. on a habitat offsetting project on the St. Mary’s River in Guysborough County. This is to support ongoing Atlantic salmon recovery efforts.
Registration
We have developed an extensive environmental protection plan and water management plan for this project, including measures to address erosion and sedimentation and upstream fish migration.
Nova Scotia Power operates its hydro systems and maintains water levels as set out under the requirements of the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC).

Water Levels

To complete this work safely, Nova Scotia Power will be temporarily lowering the water levels of the Ruth Falls head pond by approximately 18 feet, remaining at this level for 9 months (August 2025 – March 2026) while the work is being completed.

Why do we have to lower the water levels?
  • The Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) Watercourse Alteration Approval granted for the work requires that all work performed in the head pond be completed on a dry construction area.
  • The safest way for both persons performing the work and the environment is to lower the head pond.

Why does the water levels have to be lowered for so long?

  • The head pond is expected to be lowered for about 9 months while construction is happening on the dam.
  • During construction, Nova Scotia Power crews will be regularly monitoring the shoreline, performing surveys and archaeological investigations.
  • From a construction perspective, the summer and fall is the best time to perform the work required.
  • The timing is also influenced by maintaining water levels until the upstream migration of gaspereau is completed

Community Engagement

 Nova Scotia Power has been engaging with rightsholders and stakeholders throughout the planning of the project. Regular communication has been upheld with the following key rightsholders and stakeholders, managed by our project team:

Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Department of Natural Resources
Transport Canada
Nova Scotia Office of L’nu Affairs
Kwikmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMKNO)
Millbrook First Nation
Sipekne’katik First Nation

Community Open House

With construction starting this summer, we are broadening our community outreach. Our project team will be hosting a Community Open House at the Sheet Harbour Lions Club on June 24 from 3pm-7pm. 

Have a question about the project? Reach out to engage@nspower.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What work needs to be done?

Nova Scotia Power’s hydro team will be completing upgrades to the generating system located on Ruth Falls. These upgrades are required to meet current Canadian Dam Safety Association Guidelines.

The upgrades include:

  • Replacing 30 stoplog bays with 7 rubber dam sections and one free overflow spillway section .
  • Replacing three deep stoplog bays with vertical lift gates.
  • Expanding a concrete deck to accommodate a new rubber dam controls building.
  • Replacing a retaining wall to accommodate the overflow spillway.
  • Construction of a new steel walkway across the length of the dam.
  • Improvements to the existing upstream fishway, downstream louvre system, and upstream eel ramp.

When will the work start?

  • There is on-site work that’s expected to start in May 2025
  • Work in the water is expected to start in July – pending permits and approvals.
  • The first step would be lowering the Ruth Falls reservoir by about 18 feet.

Why do you have to lower the water level?

  • The Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) Watercourse Alteration Approval granted for the work requires that all work performed in the head pond be completed on a dry construction area.
  • The safest way for both persons performing the work and the environment is to lower the head pond.

How will it affect the water level? Can people still swim, boat, fish etc.?

  • The water level will be lowered by about 18 feet.
  • Residents will notice lower than normal water levels and some shoreline exposure in front of their properties.
    • Our team is working on mitigation plans to deal with negative impacts to local wells.
    • If you notice your well is impacted, we encourage you to reach out to the project manager or through engage@nspower.ca
  • This could reduce or minimize recreational activity on the water.
  • We would caution those in or on the water to be mindful of hazards – rocks, trees - that may be exposed in light of the lower water level.

How long will the Ruth Falls head pond be lowered?

  • The head pond is expected to be lowered for about 9 months while construction is happening on the dam.
  • During construction, Nova Scotia Power crews will be regularly monitoring the shoreline, performing surveys and archaeological investigations.
  • From a construction perspective, the summer and fall is the best time to perform the work required.
  • The timing is also influenced by maintaining water levels until the upstream migration of gaspereau is completed.

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