Community Update: Update on Construction

 Portion of the newly repaired bridge

May 29, 2018 – Parks Canada's project to repair the historic Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge will continue into June. While the contractor has made progress with several elements of their work their efforts are behind schedule resulting in delay and an extension of the planned bridge closure.  While a specific re-opening date is not yet known, the revised estimate would see the bridge open to vehicle traffic in late June. Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor to expedite the work and to minimize negative impacts to the public. 

Parks Canada had arranged for a temporary pedestrian crossing to be installed during construction.  Construction will now overlap with a portion of the 2018 Rideau Canal navigation season. To ensure that the pedestrian crossing does not inhibit navigation, a modification to that crossing has been made that will allow a section to be removed allowing boats to pass during the hours of operation of the Rideau Canal.  

In recent weeks work on repairing and painting the bridge pieces and mechanical components has progressed. Repointing work of the historic masonry abutments which support the swing bridge was also completed.

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.

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.