Lunenburg mayor says crews are working to repair 'significant breach' in dam that supplies town's water

Crews are working to repair a 'significant breach' at the Dares Lake dam, home to the town's water supply. PHOTO BY GOOGLE MAPS Lunenburg Mayor Jamie Myra says crews are working diligently to repair a “significant breach” at the Dares Lake dam, home to the town’s water supply. “The main priority of the various crews on site is to mitigate the immediate issue of the breach,” said Myra in an email to The Chronicle Herald on Thursday afternoon. “Once that has been accomplished, a proper assessment can happen to determine what caused it and the full scope of the breach. Right now, though, it’s all hands on deck to solve the immediate issue.” Myra said the focus is on protecting the town’s water supply. “We are asking all residents and businesses on the municipal water system to significantly reduce non-essential water use while crews work to stabilize the breach and restore access to critical water infrastructure,” he said. “Some ways that they can help out include using water only for drinking, cooking, sanitation and hygiene.” Residents are asked to stay away from the Dares Lake area and allow emergency personnel and contractors to work safely. The first day of school at Bluenose Academy was postponed Thursday as a precaution, and some businesses closed for the day. Nova Scotia Health stated that some non-urgent medical appointments at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital are being rescheduled on Thursday afternoon due to the water shortage. Patients are being contacted directly if their appointment must be rescheduled. People with medical appointments at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital over the next few days are asked to please call ahead to confirm before arriving at the hospital. The emergency department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital remains open at this time during scheduled hours. Please visit Nova Scotia Health’s website for emergency department times: “I would like to thank all of our residents, businesses, partners, our MLA and REMO for their patience and assistance during this process,” said Myra. Residents can stay informed through the Lunenburg Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) Facebook page or by calling the REMO information line at 902-530-7366. LATEST FROM SHOPPING ESSENTIALS Luxury beauty brand opens first Vancouver boutique at Holt Renfrew Located in the beauty department at Holt Renfrew, the retail space features a full selection of brand's makeup and fragrance finds.