Barrie 
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced $74 million in funding for infrastructure improvements along the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Credit: Trent Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway is Canada’s largest national historic site and receives more than 1 million visitors every year. The Trent-Severn Waterway spans over 400 kilometres with 44 locks, a marine railway and approximately 160 water control structures.
The projects supported by this investment include the repair of the Kirkfield Lift Lock, the recapitalization of the walls, tunnels, and valves at Lock 42 – Couchiching, the rehabilitation of the Little Chute Dam “G” near Port Severn, the replacement of the Whites Portage Dam on Six Mile Lake, the rehabilitation of the valve tunnels for Healey Falls Locks 16 and 17, and the creation of an access road from White’s Falls Road to the Pretty Channel Dam.
Parks Canada says these improvements will not only increase the site’s appeal to visitors and tourists but will also mitigate flood risks, protecting heritage and strengthening communities.
- Guide to Planning a Summer Boating Trip on Trent-Severn Waterway
- Road Trip: Drive the Trent-Severn Waterway
The Kirkfield Lift Lock suffered mechanical failure in September 2022, and a contractor was awarded a contract in January 2023 to restore the site to full service. It is undergoing repairs to its structural, mechanical, and electrical components, as well as system improvements to increase safety controls and access improvements to critical system components.
The Lock 42 – Couchiching Recapitalization project includes the replacement of lock chamber walls, tunnels, and valves, hydraulic and electrical systems, and minor site improvements.
The Little Chute Dam “G” Recapitalization project involves the rehabilitation of Little Chute Dam G, which regulates Little Lake’s water level and outflow into Georgian Bay.
Rendering of the new Whites Portage Dam design, which will replace the existing dam in the same location and orientation. Source: Parks Canada
The Whites Portage Dam Replacement project includes the full replacement and capacity increase of Whites Portage Dam on Six Mile Lake, which regulates the lake’s water level and outflow into Gloucester Pool.
The Healey Falls Lock Valve Tunnel Rehabilitation project will rehabilitate the valve tunnels and replace six existing cylindrical valves for the Healey Falls Locks.
The Access road from White’s Falls Road to the Pretty Channel Dam project will construct a new access road to the Pretty Channel Dam to improve operational efficiency and facilitate future reconstruction of the dam.
Work on these projects is expected to be completed over the next two years. Parks Canada will provide updates on the progress of the Kirkfield Lift Lock repairs on its website to aid in trip planning for boaters and visitors for the 2023 season.
These projects are part of a $557 million investment that the federal government announced in late 2022 to conserve and protect the heritage value of cultural resources in Canada.
