KAWARTHA LAKES-Parks Canada has announced it will invest approximately $74 million in critical infrastructure improvements along the Trent Severn Waterway National Historic Site.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible made the announcement today. Trent-Severn Waterway is Canada’s largest and one of the most visited national historic sites, welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the sustainability of Parks Canada assets. These national heritage places provide cultural, environmental and economic vitality for Canadians. Parks Canada’s robust dam and lock improvements along the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will ensure critical flood mitigation for regional communities and provide for safe navigational experiences for Canadians to connect with nature. From First Nations to fur traders to lumber barons and steamship traffic, the Waterway has linked communities across Ontario for over a hundred years. Investments in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site’s infrastructure are essential for public safety, preserving natural and cultural heritage, ensuring environmental protection and conservation, and providing benefits for visitors, local communities and the nation’s tourism industry.” said Steven Guilbeault Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Through this federal investment, Parks Canada says it will conserve the heritage value of these important cultural resources. Additionally, investments in infrastructure along the Trent-Severn Waterway will enhance Parks Canada’s ability to mitigate flood risks, protect heritage in Canada and strengthen the appeal of this world-class waterway as a destination for visitors and tourists. Once these infrastructure projects are complete, the lifespan and function of these structures will have been extended for decades, continuing to connect and protect local communities.
Officials say the work supported through this investment includes:
- repairs to the Kirkfield Lift Lock;
- recapitalization of the walls, tunnels and valves at Lock 42 – Couchiching;
- recapitalization of the Little Chute Dam “G” near Port Severn;
- replacement of the Whites Portage Dam on Six Mile Lake;
- recapitalization of the valve tunnels for Healey Falls Locks 16 and 17; and,
- creation of an access road from White’s Falls Road to the Pretty Channel Dam.
Parks Canada has a mandate to conserve and present national heritage places in Canada. More than just supporting visitors as cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada’s assets play critical functions, such as transportation, water management, public safety, and services to residents and businesses, while being a source of shared pride for Canadians. These upgrades will help ensure public safety, quality and reliability for visitors, incorporate green technologies and climate resilience while connecting Canadians with nature and history.