Community Update: Final Phase of Masonry Repairs to Begin

 Stone Repairs at Poonamalie Lock 32

October 1, 2018 – The final phase of historic stone masonry repairs at Poonamalie Lock 32 will begin in mid-October. The full project is scheduled to be completed in winter 2019.

Last year, the contractor completed stone replacement, repointing, and grouting on the west wing wall and west wall within the lock. This year, work will focus on masonry repairs to the upstream and downstream monoliths, east lock wall, the east and west sluices, upstream breast wall and lock floor. These efforts will complete the historic masonry repairs planned for Poonamalie Lock 32.

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.

Stone Repairs at Poonamalie Lock 32

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. According to local folklore, 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.