Continuing the Trend of Investment in the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal
June 25, 2015 – Peterborough, Ontario – Parks Canada
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that in celebration of Canada Day lockage on Ontario’s historic canals will be free all day on July 1 for the first time. This will help attract boaters and visitors to the many opportunities available on these waterways and in the many communities along them. Free lockage will include all stations on the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal.
The 2015 navigation season for Ontario's historic canals has already been exceptional with historic investments by the Government of Canada and an increase in boating numbers.
This month, the Government of Canada announced infrastructure investments totalling more than $39 million for the Rideau Canal and more than $285 million for the Trent-Severn Waterway. This record investment will ensure the care and preservation of these treasured national historic sites and UNESCO World Heritage Site for use and enjoyment of future generations.
For the month of May, the number of vessels travelling through the Trent-Severn Waterway system increased 34 percent and the number of vessels mooring increased 51 percent over last year. On the Rideau Canal, the number of vessels travelling through the system increased 32 percent and the number of vessels mooring increased 20 percent compared to 2014. The increased use of canals means economic benefits for local communities and businesses and is due in part to recent investment in increased service levels and active promotions.
Visitors travelling by land can also take advantage of new attractions and services offered on both the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal including: oTENTiks, Red Chairs, and Voyageur Canoe tours at Ottawa Locks and at the Peterborough Lift Lock. Other services at select lockstations include new showers, canoe docks, firewood and ice sales.
For more information, visit www.pc.gc.ca/canals and click on “Visitor Information” under the canal of interest.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Meaghan Bradley
Communications & Media Relations Officer
Ontario Waterways Unit
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 ext. 266
Meaghan.Bradley@pc.gc.ca
