Community Update: Update on Construction

 The historic masonry making up the bridge abutment will also be repaired

April 18, 2018 – Parks Canada's project to repair the historic Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge is progressing well.  The bridge was partially disassembled and moved to a shop in Merrickville for repairs.  As part of these repairs the steel components will be sandblasted, reshaped, and repainted.  Similarly, repairs will also be done on the mechanical components of the bridge. It is currently anticipated that these repairs will be complete and that the bridge will be ready to return to Burritts Rapids at the end of April.

Repairs on the historic masonry that forms the bridge abutments are also underway.  This work includes removing and replacing old mortar and repairing damaged stones.

As frost comes out of the ground the temporary parking area on the southern shoreline has become quite muddy.  Parks Canada has asked that the contractor lay down some gravel in this area to help mitigate the mud.

While the project is on track to be completed in the Spring of 2018, a precise date for the re-opening of the bridge is not yet available.  Parks Canada will provide a more precise estimate as it becomes available.

At this time it is anticipated that the re-opening will occur after the start of the Rideau Canal navigation season.  This will mean that the temporary pedestrian crossing will need to be removed prior to the completion of bridge repairs.  Parks Canada is working with the contractor to ensure that this inconvenience is kept as short as possible. Discussions are underway with Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario buses to see what alternatives may be available.  Further information in this regard will follow in advance of the removal of the temporary crossing.

Parks Canada would like to thank the Burritts Rapids community for their patience and understanding as we complete these important repairs. 

Through investments in infrastructure, Parks Canada is protecting and preserving our treasured places, while supporting local economies, contributing to growth in the tourism sector, and enhancing the charm and attractiveness of Canada’s heritage sites. 

 Bridge pieces moved to shop for repair

About the Burritts Rapids Lock 17 site

Lock 17 is located in the community of Burritts Rapids, in the township of North Grenville.  Largely situated on an island between the Rideau River and Canal, Burritts Rapids was one of the first communities on the Rideau, tracing its roots to 1793 and the arrival of Col. Stephen Burritt.

The canal cut was dug in 1826 and the dirt and clay served as building materials for the earth dams holding back the water of the Rideau Canal from the community site.  The swing bridge dates to 1897 and continues to be swung by hand during the navigation season.

For More Information:

For up-to-date news on Parks Canada infrastructure work in this community, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/rcNorthGrenville. For questions or concerns, or to receive updates regarding these projects, please contact us at RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Burritts Rapids” in the subject heading.