Parks Canada Investing $270 Million on Trent-Severn Repairs

Parks Canada announced last week that it will spend a total of $267.5 million ($CAD) to restore aging bridges, dams, locks and masonry structures on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, one of Canada’s most popular boating destinations.

The funding will cover the cost of badly-needed repairs to the waterway’s aging infrastructure, including two lift locks, two flight locks, a marine railway, 36 conventional locks, 50 km of canals, and approximately 160 dams and water control structures. The Trent-Severn Waterway flows 386 kilometers across central Ontario, linking Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay through a system of rivers, lakes, canals and locks. The system, originally surveyed as a military route but ultimately constructed as a commercial venture, was completed in 1920 following 87 years of construction. It became redundant when the much larger Welland Canal opened in 1932, and has since been used almost exclusively by recreational boaters.

“This historic infrastructure investment from the Government of Canada will protect and preserve the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site for residents and visitors alike,” said MP Maryam Monsef. “The Trent Severn has linked communities across Ontario for hundreds of years. This investment will ensure Canadians can continue to work and play on its shores for generations to come.”

Repair work is expected to be completed in time for the 2017 season opening in May. As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Parks Canada notes that lockage will be free throughout the system for the season.