The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, has announced infrastructure investments totalling more than $285 million across the Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario. Minister Aglukkaq was joined by Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland–Quinte West, Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward—Hastings and Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe-North.
This major investment includes the replacement of the Brighton Road Swing Bridge, major repairs or replacement to locks and dams as well as the repair and rehabilitation of several other bridges throughout the Trent-Severn Waterway. This investment will help to ensure that the Trent-Severn Waterway is protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.
The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing visitor experiences along the Trent-Severn Waterway. In addition to this major investment for its infrastructure, Parks Canada has also taken other actions, including:
- An exciting 2 for 1 lockage permit offer that provides boaters an opportunity to double their fun on historic canals in Ontario and Québec;
- The installation of oTENTik tents and showers at Lock 24 Douro;
- The establishment of a guided tour in a beautiful multi-passenger Voyager canoe from the Peterborough Lift Lock; and,
- The placement of Red Chairs in scenic locations along the waterway.
Quick Facts
The Trent-Severn Waterway is Canada’s largest national historic site spanning over 400 kilometres with more physical assets than any other. It has 44 locks, a marine railway, and approximately 160 water control structures.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites welcoming more than 1 million visitors every year.
In addition to its historical value, this waterway is a crucial transportation and recreation link for the region.
Successive groups of Aboriginal people travelled the ancient natural waterway formed by the waterway lakes, thousands of new Canadians were employed in the construction of its locks and dams, and today countless people benefit from the tourism economy that it affords.
“Our Government is committed to connecting Canadians to nature. The Trent-Severn Waterway welcomes boaters and tourists every summer and is an excellent example of how Canada’s heritage is directly linked to nature and the outdoors. The Trent-Severn Waterway directly contributes to the local economy and through investments such as today’s, our Government is ensuring that the Waterway can continue to play its vital economic role in the role in the region,” The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada
“With these investments our Government will be creating and protecting jobs and opportunities by renewing visitor facilities in our national parks and national historic sites. This will allow Canadians to have a greater connection to our protected places,” Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland–Quinte West
“This waterway has always been crucial to the people of this area. This major announcement will strengthen and grow the local and regional economy as we increase tourism opportunities throughout the Trent-Severn Waterway,” Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward—Hastings
“This unprecedented commitment to the restoration and renovation of the waterway’s infrastructure demonstrates our government’s understanding of the economic, recreational and historic benefits the Trent-Severn Waterway brings to our region and to all Canadians,” Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North
“I am delighted our Government is investing more than a quarter of a billion dollars in the Trent Severn Waterway. Today’s announcement acknowledges the critical importance of this water management and navigational infrastructure for central Ontario,” Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock