Community Update: Historic Masonry Repairs Progressing

February 5, 2018 – In November 2017, the project to repair historic stone masonry at Poonamalie Lock 32 commenced. Since that time, the contractor has prepared the site and begun winter masonry repairs. This phase of the project will be completed by spring 2018, while additional repairs will be completed in a second phase of the project throughout the fall and winter of 2018-19.

In order to dewater the lock, the contractor has installed a cofferdam - a temporary waterproof barrier used to complete work in water – at both ends of the lock. They have also constructed a temporary weatherproof enclosure around the lock, to work within throughout the winter months. Heritage stone masonry repairs have begun on the island side approach walls and within the lock. The contractor has started by raking the joints between the stone. Once the raking is complete, repairs will involve stone replacement, repointing, and grouting.

At Poonamalie Lock 32, Parks Canada has also been working to restore the historic stonework. The contractor has been removing old parging that had been previously used to slow lock deterioration. As the lifespan of the parging comes to an end, stone replacements, partial stone replacements called Dutchman repairs, repointing, and grouting are undertaken to restore the aesthetic appeal of this stonework.

A Brief History of Poonamalie Lock 32

The Poonamalie site’s original name was First Rapids, as it is the first lockstation encountered in the descent toward Ottawa on the Rideau system. Local folklore has it that the name Poonamalie was derived from a town in India named Poovirundavalli where the British Army stationed a garrison in the early 19th century. An officer of the Royal Engineers felt the cedar-lined roads at First Rapids were reminiscent of those he had seen while serving in India.

The channel in this section of the Rideau Canal is nearly 2.5km and bypasses the original rapids in the Rideau River. In addition to the lock, earth dam, and weir, a defensible lock master’s house can also be found at this site. This building was originally built in 1842 and remains in use to this day.

For More Information:

For up-to-date news on infrastructure work along the Rideau Canal, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/rcInfrastructure. For questions or to receive updates regarding this project, please email RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include "Poonamalie Lock" in the subject line.