The recreational lock at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site will reopen to boaters at 9 a.m. Monday, July 29, Parks Canada has announced.
Parks Canada announced in April that the closure of the lock would be necessary as crews performed restorative work on the site’s historic Powerhouse.
Ground work was needed to stabilize the building’s foundation. Water levels in the lock were having an effect on water levels in the construction area. The lock’s water levels had to be kept low so that the necessary groundwork could be completed.
“Before the end of the operational season, additional in-ground work is anticipated which will require a week-long closure. Parks Canada will provide an additional project update once these construction plans have been confirmed,” Parks Canada stated in a release.
With the exception of that week-long closure, the lock is expected to remain open to boaters until the end of the current season in October.
The federal government announced $7.4 million in funding in January for the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the site’s historic buildings.
That $7.4 million is specifically earmarked for structurally stabilizing the Powerhouse. Work at that building began in late Dec. 2023 and is expected to continue for approximately two years.
The sandstone Powerhouse, built in 1894, is home to the first electrically powered lock in the world. The Powerhouse building was a major technological achievement and helped connect the Great Lakes during the late-19th century.
The full text of a Parks Canada release follows:
SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO, July 22, 2024 – After making significant progress on critical in-ground work at the Powerhouse building at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, Parks Canada would like to advise that the recreational lock will be re-opening on July 29th, 2024.
This important work, aimed at stabilizing the foundation of the historic Powerhouse building, addresses the challenges posed by groundwater intrusion. While fluctuating water levels during the recreational locks’ operation have been a factor, effective measures have been taken to mitigate these impacts within the construction area.
Before the end of the operational season, additional in-ground work is anticipated which will require a week-long closure. Parks Canada will provide an additional project update once these construction plans have been confirmed.
Until then, the recreational lock hours of operation will be:
- 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (July 29-Sept. 2)
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Sept. 3-Oct. 15)
Parks Canada appreciates the understanding and patience of visitors and stakeholders while we work to preserve the structural integrity of the Powerhouse building. The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is pleased to welcome visitors to the recreational lock, grounds, the Visitor Centre, and Exhibit.
Parks Canada and the project contractor continue to work closely with local tourism operators, stakeholders and partners to support a successful tourism season across the region through the continued communication of timelines and updates as the project progresses.
For more information and updates, please visit: Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site.