Poonamalie Lock 32 Masonry Rehabilitation

In spring 2019, Parks Canada completed the final phase of rehabilitation to the stone masonry at Poonamalie Lock 32. Repairs included heritage stone masonry of the wing walls, approach walls, sluice tunnels and within the lock itself.

Poonamalie Lock 32 Rehabilitation is part of Parks Canada’s infrastructure program, a $3 billion dollars investment over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. 

About Poonamalie Lock 32

Poonamalie Lock 32, originally referred to as ‘First Rapids’, was constructed in 1832. While the majority of the lock was made of cement, the floor was built using wooden, hemlock planks. In 1913, concrete replaced the original wooden floor. A stone lockmaster’s house was built from 1838-1842, which remains in use today. 

It is believed that the name ‘Poonamalie’ originated from India. An officer of the Royal Engineers saw similarities between the cedar-lined roads at First Rapids and those he had seen in a town named ‘Poovirundavalli’ in the early 19th century.

Communications

December 10, 2018 - Community Update: Masonry Repairs Progressing Well
October 1, 2018 - Community Update: Final Phase of Masonry Repairs to Begin
April 26, 2018 - Community Update: Historic Masonry Repairs Completion
February 5, 2018 - Community Update: Historic Masonry Repairs Progressing
November 2, 2017 - Community Update: Masonary Project Repair to Begin 
November 4, 2016 - Info-Work: Investigative Work at Poonamalie Lock 32