Rideau Canal Locks, Ottawa
Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Owner: Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Project Value: $8 million
Completion Date: September 1984
Duration: 20 months
The Ottawa Locks are the final set of locks on the northern end of the Rideau Canal, where it joins the Ottawa River. In the early 1980’s it was determined that these locks were in serious need of repair due to time and water damage. A multi-year project was undertaken to restore them to good operational condition while retaining the heritage appearance. The walls of locks one, two and three were completely demolished due to extensive deterioration. In order to make the locks appear authentic, stone was hauled from the Bruce Peninsula, cut at St. Catherines, then bush hammered and etched on-site to give the appearance of the original work done by a stone mason.
Structural Engineer: Parks Canada
Civil Engineer: Parks Canada
Landscape Architect: Parks Canada