Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site Infrastructure Investment Funding and Project Completion

Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site

Completed in 1895, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site (NHS) formed the last link in an all-Canadian navigation system stretching from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior. Designed and built by Canadians, the canal incorporated several engineering innovations. It was the world's longest lock and the first to operate with electrical power. It was also novel in using an emergency swing dam to protect the lock in case of accident. Electricity was generated on-site in the powerhouse. Closed in 1987 owing to a lock wall failure, the canal was equipped with a modern lock and opened for recreational use in 1998, the same year it was designated as a national historic site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Federal Infrastructure Project Funding

Project name: Sault Ste. Marie Canal NHS - Emergency Swing Bridge Dam Conservation
Estimated new funding total: $790K
Project Description: As part of the $3 billion federal infrastructure program, this project will rehabilitate the Emergency Swing Dam, both below and above grade, including replacement of decking and handrails, improvements to the wicket chain stop blocks and pivot type turntable, and new support piers and structural steel coating.

Federal Infrastructure Project Completion

Parks Canada also recently completed the Sault Ste. Marie Canal NHS Entry Road Reconstruction Project. Announced in 2015, with construction having taken place through much of 2016, this project focused on the reconstruction of the road with improvements to the road bed and surface, curbs, walkways and affected landscapes, along with a design that addresses storm water. The work also included a newly paved, extended parking lot and improved lighting.

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