Factors affecting the property

Chapter 4 - State of Conservation and Factors Affecting the Property

1. Present state of conservation
2. Factors affecting the property
   1. Development pressures
   2. Environmental pressures
   3. Natural disasters and risk preparedness
   4. Visitor/tourism pressures
   5. Number of inhabitants within the property and the buffer zone

B. Factors affecting the property

(i) Development Pressures

Extensive sections of the canal’s shoreline retain their 19th century appearance. © Parks Canada

Development pressures related to private nearby lands affect some areas along the route of the Rideau Canal. Since the 1950s, residential development has taken place on sections of shore lands, particularly immediately south of Ottawa. During the same period, the Rideau Lakes area has experienced considerable cottage and, more recently, housing development. However, almost half of the canal’s shore lands remain in a natural state and are subject to minimal development pressures.

Individually, Fort Henry and the four Kingston Martello towers, within their buffer zones, are not subject to development pressures. An issue of potential concern arises in connection with their having been planned as a defensive system with overlapping fields of fire. Ensuring a clear visual understanding of their interconnectedness, given the urban setting in which they are found, entails protecting the existing viewscapes from the construction of inappropriately placed modern structures.

The strategic relationship of the Martello towers and Fort Henry is still clearly visible. © Parks Canada

(ii) Environmental Pressures

Farming is an important activity in the region of the canal between Ottawa and Smiths Falls. © Parks Canada

The slackwater sections of the Rideau Canal, although generally healthy, are subject to a variety of ecological stresses such as storm water discharge, agricultural run-off, and the effects of the spread of exotic species. The long-term cumulative impact of these stresses is, however, estimated to be moderate, as many are being brought under control by provincial regulation and municipal actions. As the regional population continues to increase, effective management of environmental issues and pressures will be required.

For the canal engineering works and the fortifications in Kingston, the principal environmental pressure arises from the difficult climatic conditions of the area. The climate is hard on limestone construction. The risk of water infiltration combined with the typical freeze/thaw cycle during the winter must constantly be guarded against.

(iii) Natural Disasters

The climate of the area requires regular monitoring and repair of the limestone structures of the canal. © Parks Canada

The nominated property is located in a geographic area that is not prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and violent storms. The only natural disaster that could constitute a significant threat to the Rideau Canal is a major flood that could damage the dams and, to a lesser extent, buildings and locks. Given the water management regime of the canal, the likelihood of such a damaging flood is remote. In the spring, when flooding is most likely to occur, water levels in the system are reduced prior to the spring run-off, providing the canal with an increased capacity to handle the additional water. The canal has protocols in place to respond quickly to sudden heavy precipitation, directing the adjustment of water flows and levels. Also, a program is now being implemented to study the stability of dams and other water control structures, to ensure that they meet modern dam safety requirements. If structural weaknesses are identified, they will be dealt with through a priorized investment program. Interventions will be consistent with cultural resource management policies and practices.

(iv) Visitor / Tourism Pressures

The nominated property does not experience unmanageable visitor/tourism pressures that could negatively impact its cultural resources. The major tourism attractions, such as Fort Henry and Ottawa Lockstation, can easily serve more visitors without detrimental effects. In most parts of the canal corridor, tourism occurs at a low to moderate level of activity and most slackwater sections and lockstations of the Rideau Canal can accommodate increased boat traffic. The visitation levels at Fort Frederick and Murney Tower are relatively low. Neither Shoal Tower nor Cathcart Tower is open to the public.

Water management is an important activity particularly during the spring run-off. © Parks Canada

There are, however, some high-volume locations along the canal, mostly on the Rideau Lakes. The Parks Canada Agency has taken steps to attract boaters away from them by promoting slackwater sections and lockstations with a lower volume of traffic and offering additional services at these alternate locations. Shore power, for example, has recently been installed at certain less busy lockstations, to better disperse boat use in the peak season, mid-June to September.

The “locking through” of boats is popular with visitors to the canal’s lockstations. © Parks Canada

(v) Number of Inhabitants within the Property and the Buffer Zone

Estimated population located within:

Area of nominated property: 12

Buffer zone - Rideau Canal

Because of recent municipal limitations on development, there are now very few people living in the 30-m buffer zone for the Rideau Canal route. The exact number is not known.

Buffer zone – Kingston Fortifications: 0

Total: 12+

Year: 2005

The “locking through” of boats is popular with visitors to the canal’s lockstations.