CANTON – Voters will have a chance to voice their opinions and vote Saturday, July 26, on whether to have the town proceed in taking the Lake Anasagunticook dam by eminent domain.

The dam on Whitney Brook at the outlet of the lake has been deemed structurally unsound by the state, which ordered owner Ray Fortier of Sabattus to repair it last year.

He has been accruing fines of $500 a day since October for failure to submit a fix-up plan to the Maine Emergency Management Agency, according to a report by former Hartford Selectman David Bowen.

In two towns

The lake lies in both towns and serves as Canton’s source of drinking water.

Canton Water District Superintendent Donald Hutchins has said the low level of the lake is raising the water temperature, requiring additional treatment to keep the water safe.

Article two of the warrant asks the town to rescind the acceptance of an article at the March town meeting to appropriate $75,000 for paving projects.

Article three will see if the town will vote to accept donations for the Canton dam project and appropriate funds for it.

Compensation $10,000

Article four is to see if voters will agree to take the dam property owned by Fortier by eminent domain. Selectmen recommend compensation of $10,000 for the property.

Article five will see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to dispose of any real estate acquired by the town on such terms they think advisable.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Municipal Building with election of a moderator as the first item of business.