Community Update: Construction Projects to Begin

 Jones Falls Lockstation

November 9, 2018 – The contract for the lock rehabilitation and timber bridge replacement projects at Jones Falls Lockstation has now been awarded. These projects are currently planned to begin in December 2018.

Jones Falls Timber Bridge Replacement

The new Jones Falls Timber Bridge will be built to match the existing structure and replicate the original bridge elevation. The bridge’s concrete abutments and wing walls will be replaced with reinforced concrete to better support the structure, and a timber deck will also be installed. This project is expected to be completed in mid-2019.

Jones Falls Lock 39-42 Rehabilitation

This rehabilitation is the largest capital project being undertaken on the Rideau Canal since its original construction. The four locks at Jones Falls will undergo historic masonry repairs, including stone replacement, repointing, and grouting. The full rehabilitation is expected to be completed over a three year period, with substantial completion scheduled for spring 2021.

These projects are 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 investments represent the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada.

About Jones Falls

Work on Jones Falls began in 1827 and was completed in 1832. Given the rugged terrain, Jones Falls Lockstation demonstrates the impressive feats of the canal builders. In order to address the one mile long rapids with a fall of 60 feet, Colonel By proposed the construction of an arch dam 60 feet high and 350 feet in length. Four locks were constructed at the site, each with a lift of 15 feet. The upper lock and the flight of three lower locks are separated by a turning basin. In part, because of the breathtaking views throughout the site, Jones Falls Lockstation is designated as a cultural landscape of National Historic Significance by Parks Canada.

For More Information:

For up-to-date news about Parks Canada infrastructure work in this area, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/RCInfrastructure. If you have any questions about the projects, or if you would like to receive email updates, please email us at: RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Jones Falls” in the subject heading.