KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kirkfield Lift Lock suffered a mechanical failure on September 2, 2022, resulting in the site’s closure for the remainder of the 2022 navigation season.
A number of passengers on the Kawartha Voyageur were in the lock when it failed. Ray Barlow had stopped at the lift lock with his spouse and his dog to remember old times when he says they heard some strange noises coming from the lock and then water started pouring out over the sides.
Barlow says it was like you could feel the lock had moved back a bit, it had tipped and the Voyageur was bouncing around inside it. Passengers were evacuated.
At the time it appeared as though the gate was stuck and would not close all the way. Water was pouring over the lock onto the bow of the boat as it was lowered. The lock was closed for the season.
Read more here:https://www.kawartha411.ca/2022/09/03/passengers-of-kawartha-voyageur-cruise-evacuated-after-scary-liftlock-failure/
Parks Canada announced today that a contract has been awarded to undertake repairs to return the site to full service.
The scope of work will include;
Ø Repairs to the structural, mechanical and electrical components.
Ø System improvements to increase safety controls and access improvements to critical system components.
Ø Backup system improvements to minimize impacts on future maintenance activities.
Parks Canada says the contractor will mobilize to the site in the near future with the goal of having the asset fully operational by the beginning of the 2023 navigation season.
In order to aid with trip planning for boaters and land-based visitors for the 2023 season, updates on the progress can be found on our website by following this LINK.
