Lock 36 - Kirkfield

The historic Kirkfield Lift Lock is located a few kilometres north of the Village of Kirkfield. The Kirkfield Lift Lock is the second highest hydraulic lift lock in the world with a lift of 15 metres (49 ft). The lock is situated at the highest point along the Waterway at 256.20 meters (840.5 ft) above sea level. Most boaters prefer to stay on the lower reach to avoid the stairs and gain easy access to the washrooms.

Facilities and services

• Overnight mooring
• Camping
• Washrooms
• Potable water
• Picnic area
• Visitor information

History

Constructed: 1900-1905

Part of the Simcoe-Balsam Lake section, the contract for the Kirkfield Lift Lock was awarded to Larkin and Sangster. Unlike the Peterborough Lift Lock, this construction utilized metal frames rather than concrete towers to guide the metal tubs. Today the site is located in the middle of the Carden Alvar, where spring floods and dry summers provide a unique habitat for many rare species.

Tourism information

• Beaverton District Chamber of Commerce

  Phone number: (705) 426-2051

• City of Kawartha Lakes

  Phone number: (705) 324-9411 or 1-888-822-2225

  www.kawarthalakes.ca

• Kawarthas Northumberland

  kawarthasnorthumberland.ca

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