Kingston Mills Lock Masonry Rehabilitation

In November 2018, the Kingston Mills Locks historic masonry rehabilitation began. Work includes stone replacement and repair, as well as repointing and grouting being undertaken on the wing walls, monoliths and within the lock itself. Rehabilitation will take place over three years and is expected to be completed in spring 2021. Each year the work is expected to be completed in advance of the navigation season.

Kingston Mills Lock Rehabilitation is part of an unprecedented $3 billion dollars investment over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. These investments represent the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 105-year history of Parks Canada.

About Kingston Mills:

In 1784, to support new Loyalist settlers, the British Government built a saw mill and grist mill at what is now known as Kingston Mills. In 1824, plans for locks along the Cataraqui River were developed to accommodate steamboat navigation. During the excavation of swamp lands, nearly 100 men were infected and 13 men died of malaria. This resulted in Colonel By adopting a new plan to raise an arch dam, reducing the need for locks between Kingston Mills and Lower Brewers Mills.

Beyond its historical importance, Kingston Mills is one of 24 lockstations on the Rideau Canal, and a prime example of engineering mastery. The four limestone locks each have a lift of 3.6 metres and utilize manual methods of opening and closing the lock gates – with push bar, swing bar and endless chain mechanisms.

Communications

January 25, 2018- Community Update: Rehabilitation of Lock 46 Underway
December 18, 2018- Community Update: Ongoing Gate Replacements on the Rideau Canal
October 29, 2018- Community Update: Rehabilitation to Begin
July 25, 2018- Community Update: Projects out to Tender