Community Update: Update on Ongoing Work

February 1, 2017 – Throughout the fall and winter, contractors have been working on Phase one of construction at Edmonds Lock 25, Overflow Dam and Weir on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. This phase of work has focused on stone masonry repairs on the lock and overflow dam, repairs to the earth dam, and improvements to the roadway access to the dam from County Road 43.

In order to undertake masonry work during the winter, the contractor has created temporary weather proof enclosures to maintain a propane heated working space to allow the mortar and grout to properly cure. The enclosure is fixed to scaffolding which enables work on any area of the lock walls. Additionally, temporary water control structures, known as cofferdams, have been installed at each end of the lock to create a dry workspace. These will be removed in late February and timber stop logs placed at each end of the lock allowing work to continue until May. In May, the logs will be removed to re-open the lock for navigation.

To date, the contractor has completed the majority of repairs to the overflow dam except for some minor work that will be completed in the spring. During this time, the contractor will also install a new safety boom, finalize the east access laneway, as well as the stone retaining wall. Phase one is scheduled to complete in advance of the opening of our 2017 navigation season on Victoria Day weekend.

Phase two of construction at Edmonds Lock 25 is planned to begin in Fall 2017 and will focus on repairing the weir. The full project at Edmonds Lock 25 is expected to be completed by spring 2018.

This project is part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented $3 billion dollar 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 historic investments will mitigate health and safety risks, halt the loss of nationally significant built heritage and stimulate the economy in communities across the country.

About Edmonds Lock 25, Dam and Weir

Edmonds Lock, Dam and Weir were constructed in the late 1820s to early 1830s. The lock was created with a 2.64 metre (eight foot, eight inch) lift, built on a clay foundation and wooden floor. A stone arch overflow dam was built with a waste weir installed to reduce the chance of floods. In the early 1840s, a stone lockmaster's house was constructed at the site then replaced with a two-storey house in 1905.

For More Information:

For up-to-date news on infrastructure work along the Rideau Canal, please visit our website: www.pc.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 "Edmonds Lock 25" in the subject heading.