The Town of Newmarket's contractors will be conducting field data collection at Fairy Lake between August 10 and 15, 2026 (weather dependent) to help better understand existing lake conditions. The field work will include:
- Bathymetric Survey: An underwater topographic survey that measures water depths and maps the lake bottom.
- Sediment Sampling: Collection of sediment samples from select locations within the lake to support environmental and engineering assessments.
This work will provide valuable information on existing conditions upstream of the Fairy Lake Dam to support future studies related to sediment management and the long-term stewardship of the dam and associated infrastructure.
What to Expect
- A two-person crew in a battery powered Jon boat will collect sediment samples from designated locations within Fairy Lake
- A small, remote controlled survey boat equipped with GPS and sonar technology will be used to conduct the Bathymetric Survey.
- The contractor will operate the equipment from the shoreline.
- The boat operates quietly and generates virtually no noise.
- The central portion of the lake will be surveyed in autonomous mode, while shoreline and edge areas will be surveyed manually.
- The overall data collection is considered low impact and no disruptions to residents, trails, the environment, and the park. Normal operations are anticipated.
- Town staff will be on-site to monitor the work.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to steward the Town of Newmarket’s assets.
Reminder: Water-based activities are not allowed on Fairy Lake due to fluctuating and unsafe water conditions. The work above is conducted by licensed professionals under contract to the Town of Newmarket.
For more information, email info@newarket.ca or call 905-895-5193.
Example of work that is being done on Fairy Lake by the Town’s contractors:
