Ruskin Dam

In the north central Fraser Valley is BC Hydro's Stave River hydroelectric project. The Stave Lake reservoir is bounded by the Stave Lake Dam. Downstream is the Hayward Lake reservoir and the Ruskin Dam.

Many recreational activities can be enjoyed in the area, from boating, fishing and swimming, to picnicking, hiking and mountain biking.

For details about the area, follow the links below:

• Multiple use
• History & hydroelectric
• Visitor information
• Safety

Access and directions

Need directions? View a map of BC Hydro recreation areas and get directions to the Ruskin Dam recreation area, the Hayward Lake reservoir recreation area, the Power House at Stave Falls Visitor Centre, the Stave Lake boat launch and the Stave Lake Reservoir Lodge and Campsite, all of which are about 60 kilometres east of Vancouver.

Note: Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. When parking lots are full, entrance gates will be closed.

Find out about recreation area closures and restrictions.

Multiple use

BC Hydro's Ruskin Dam recreation area serves as a source of hydroelectric power and also as an attractive recreation area for public enjoyment. To add to your enjoyment, BC Hydro provides parking, washrooms or pit toilets, and picnic tables.

Facilities at the Ruskin Dam picnic site include:

• Beach and picnic area (sorry, no drinking water)
• Hiking trail access
• Information displays
• Fish spawning channel complete with viewing bridge
• Fishing

History and hydroelectric operation

Hydroelectric developments were instrumental in shaping the history and landscape of the Stave Valley from as early as 1909 when the Western Canada Power Company Limited began the construction of a power plant at Stave Falls.

Construction of the Stave Falls Dam and Powerhouse began in 1909 and was completed by January 1, 1912.

From 1926 to 1928, the construction of an earthfill dam, tunnel and Powerhouse saw the completion of the Alouette component of the regional hydroelectric system.

In 1929, construction began on Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse at the narrow granite gorge 5.6 km downstream of Stave Falls. This development created Hayward Lake Reservoir, named after Stave Falls Dam's first Production Superintendent.

An additional generator was installed in the Ruskin Powerhouse in 1950 to meet increased electrical demand in the region. Electric power produced at the Ruskin Generating Station is used to meet short term peak electrical demand in the Lower Mainland.

In January 2000, an upgrade to the Stave Falls Dam and Powerhouse was completed to increase the Dam's efficiency while ensuring long term hydroelectric service.

The Alouette- Stave- Ruskin generation system is a source of hydroelectricity for the Lower Mainland. Water from Alouette Lake is directed by tunnel to the Alouette Powerhouse on Stave Lake Reservoir where it then passes through the Stave Falls Powerhouse, and into Hayward Lake Reservoir. From here, water flows through the Ruskin Powerhouse and eventually down into the Fraser River. Together, the three Powerhouses have a production capacity of 203.6 megawatts of electricity.

Visitor information

These Recreation Areas are provided for your use and enjoyment by BC Hydro. Please respect the facilities and natural environment by observing the following rules:

• Deposit all refuse in the containers provided.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times and are prohibited on the Hayward Lake Reservoir beach area.
• Firearms and hunting are prohibited in the recreation area.
• Overnight camping is permitted only at the Stave Lake Lodge and Campsite with an approved reservation.
• Vehicles left overnight on BC Hydro property may be towed at the owner's expense.
• Trails are closed to all motorized vehicles. The Reservoir Trail is closed to bicycles.
• Hayward Lake Reservoir is reserved for canoes and non-motorized boats (electric motors permitted). Stave Lake permits motorized boats.
• The consumption of liquor in public places is prohibited.
• For your own safety, avoid designated danger zones and observe all posted signs.

Aquatic safety

Hydroelectric production creates special concerns for visitor safety. Please note the following:

Hydroelectric operations

• Avoid the designated hazard areas above and below Stave Falls and Ruskin Dams and obey all posted signs. Water releases occur downstream and strong surface and underwater currents are created upstream. Swimming, boating or fishing in these areas is extremely dangerous.
• On Stave Lake Reservoir, fluctuating water levels may create dangerously shallow channels for boats and expose stumps that are normally hidden. Floating debris may also be encountered.

Shoreline users

• Changes to Stave River levels occur suddenly and without warning. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas and create dangerous conditions for fishers and other shoreline users. For your own safety, observe posted signs and be aware of rising water levels. All bodies of water (lakes, rivers and streams) represent a potential danger. Please note the following:

Boating/Canoeing

• An approved personal flotation device (PFD) is required by law for each person on board any boat or canoe. This includes inflatables. Remember, IT WON'T WORK IF YOU DON'T WEAR IT. A sound signalling device, such as a whistle, is also required by law. Further requirements are outlined in the Canadian Coast Guard's Safe Boating Guide.
• Do not overload your boat or canoe with people or gear.
• Watch the weather. Check the weather forecast before starting out. Be alert for the wave, wind, cloud changes that signal bad weather approaching.
• Cold water robs body heat 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. Stave Lake Reservoir, Hayward Lake Reservoir and the Stave River are cold enough to threaten your survival. Wearing your PFD increases your survival time.
• Be off the water one-half hour before posted closing times. DON'T GET LOCKED IN!

Swimming

• There are no lifeguards on duty at Hayward, Stave, and Ruskin Recreation Areas. In the event of an accident, contact the Recreation Area Staff and phone 911. Visitors are required to obey the safety directions of all onsite BC Hydro Recreation Area Staff or leave the recreation area.
• Never leave children without proper supervision while they are in or near the water. Children or non-swimmers should wear a PFD.