Community Update: Rehabilitation to Begin

 A mossy Kingston Mills Lock wall

October 26, 2018 – In early November 2018, the contractor for the Kingston Mills Locks 46-49 rehabilitation project will begin mobilizing to site. The locks will undergo major rehabilitation of the historic masonry phased over three non-navigation seasons. Substantial completion of the project is expected in spring 2021.

Work will include stone replacement and repair, repointing and grouting within the locks and select concrete repairs. In order to maintain the historic integrity of the site, careful consideration went into matching the limestone and grout to preserve the historic characteristic of the stonework.

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 navigation. As the project advanced, a new plan was adopted that would raise the arch dam, reducing the need for locks between Kingston Mills and Lower Brewers Mills. Historically, the dam provided a basin of water required to operate the grist mill located downstream. Presently, it supports a hydro generating facility.

Beyond its historical importance, Kingston Mills, one of 24 lockstations on the Rideau Canal, is 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.

For More Information:

For up-to-date news on infrastructure work along the Rideau Canal, please visit our website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/rcInfrastructure. If you would like to be added to our community engagement list and receive updates on this project, please e-mail RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Kingston Mills” in the subject heading.