Community Update: Rehabilitation Work to Begin

November 7, 2016 – On November 1st, 2016 construction crews began setting up their work site at Upper Nicholsons Earth Dam on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. During the week of November 7th, 2016 they will begin the rehabilitation of the earth dam.

The project will include stabilization work on the west embankment upstream of the spillway, as well as excavation and back filling along the retaining wall leading up to the lock. Additionally, the project will include masonry repairs to the dam’s retaining walls to preserve its structural integrity.

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 Upper Nicholsons

In the mid-1820s Colonel By made plans to construct a dam, lock and embankment at Nicholson’s Rapids. The plan had the dam bypass the rapids with a canal cut along the east bank. Work was completed by contractor H.C. Steven and Co. who worked diligently on the canal cut and lock construction. Local stone from Clowes’ Quarry was used to build the locks and dam.

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 “Upper Nicholsons Earth Dam” in the subject heading.