Info-Work: Barge Removal from Rideau Canal in Ottawa

Smiths Falls, Ontario, May 11, 2018 – On May 7th, 2018, Parks Canada began geotechnical investigative work on sections of the Rideau Canal’s walls in downtown Ottawa. This work is now coming to completion and on May 14th, 2018 the barge, from which the work was conducted, will be lifted by crane out of the Rideau Canal near the University of Ottawa. This crane work will have a short-term impact on vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic on Colonel By Drive.

To minimize traffic impacts, the crane operation will be limited to off-peak hours, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and is expected to be completed within a two-hour window. A traffic management plan will see vehicular traffic reduced to a single lane and controlled by flaggers. A signed detour route will be in place for pedestrians and cyclists.

A contractor had used this barge as part of geotechnical investigations on various sections of the Rideau Canal between Bank Street and the Ottawa Locks. This work will provide further information on the canal bed in these areas including additional data about soil or rock density and strength. This information will help in the preparation for future construction sites associated with the repair of canal’s walls in this area.

This project is part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented $3 billion 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.

For up-to-date news on infrastructure work, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/rcInfrastructure or e-mail RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca to be added to our community engagement list.

Information:

Darryl Whitehead
External Relations Manager
Ontario Waterways
Parks Canada
darryl.whitehead@pc.gc.ca