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Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada

Peterborough Lift Lock

View from underneath the east chamber. Little known fact is that the only non-Canadian piece of the lift lock are the press cylinders which were manufactured in Chester, Pennsylvania. View from underneath the east chamber. Little known fact is that the only non-Canadian piece of the lift lock are the press cylinders which were manufactured in Chester, Pennsylvania.
© Parks Canada

Welcome to the Peterborough Lift Lock! It was built by engineer Richard B. Rogers between 1896 and 1904.
After Lock 22 at Nassau Mills you will approach the Peterborough Lift Lock from the upper reach, which is 65 feet above the lower reach.
Boaters must wait for the green light to head into the chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock.
There is such a great view of the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre and Ashburnham Drive from the upper chamber.
The main tower was once used as the Operator’s Cabin for the lift lock but that function was moved to the centre pier of the upper reach in 1963-64.
A rare view inside the main tower of the Peterborough Lift Lock which was the Operator’s Cabin until 1963.
This door at the top of the main tower once led to a staircase prior to 1963 when it was the Operator’s Cabin.
As the west chamber lowers the east chamber raises, an exchange of over 1500 tonnes of water and boats.
View from the upper reach as the transfer finishes.
Inside the lift lock below the centre pier of the upper reach the left exit leads to the lower reach and the staircase on the right will allow access to underneath the chambers.
Looking out of the west pump room you can see the west chamber lowering. Back in the day the transfer would be paused so steamers could deliver materials into this room to be sent to the city Ashburnham, now known as East City of Peterborough.
During the upgrade of the lift lock in 63-64 new machinery was installed in the east room (pictured) while it remained operational using the old equipment in the west room (previous photo).
View from underneath the east chamber. Little known fact is that the only non-Canadian piece of the lift lock are the press cylinders which were manufactured in Chester, Pennsylvania.
At the end of the hall is the lower gate room. Lifting the screen allows lock staff to check on the crossover valve.
The lower gate room is located between the two chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock on the lower reach.
From this device the entire lift lock can be controlled manually, except for the upper gates.

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Date Modified 2013-01-09
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