Community Update: Rehabilitation Work to Begin in September 2016

September 26, 2016 – In September 2016, Parks Canada will begin Phase 1 of construction on Edmonds Lock 25, Overflow Dam and Weir on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. This phase of work will include heritage stone masonry work on the lock and overflow dam, repair to the earth dam, and improvements to the roadway access to the dam from County Road 43. Minor repairs will be made to the weir in this phase, however, general rehabilitation of the weir along with public safety upgrades to the site will be completed in construction Phase 2 tentatively scheduled for fall 2017.

In Phase 1, contractors will begin by replacing the retaining wall and improving roadway access along the earth dam. Following the end of navigation season, heritage stone masonry rehabilitation on the lock and overflow dam and minor work to the weir will be undertaken. This work will entail repointing, conservation minded stone replacement and grouting. The project will also include public safety enhancements such as a modified safety boom, new guardrails and fencing and updated signage. The project is expected to complete in 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.