The Sault Canal: 125 Years of History
Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
By Jeanette Cowen
Built by the Canadian Department of Railways and Canals, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal opened in 1895, as the longest lock in the world and the first to operate using electricity. Although COVID-19 scuttled commemoration plans, we’ve compiled a list of past superintendents and their achievements to highlight significant moments in the canal’s 125-year story.
Once Parks Canada assumed responsibility for the canal in 1979, the focus shifted to emphasize the cultural and natural heritage, as well as its role in commercial and recreational transportation. The canal was designated a site of national historic significance in 1987. Ironically, that was the same year the canal closed due to a structural failure in its south wall. After nine years of negotiations, a tri-partite agreement was struck between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments to build a smaller recreational lock within the historic lock chamber. The new lock opened to navigation in 1998.
From its earliest days as an important Indigenous trading, fishing and governance centre, the canal area has been a gathering place. This tradition continued following the construction of the canal, as local residents began using the site as a park. Today, the canal continues to welcome close to 100,000 land-based and 60,000 water-based visitors annually. Successive Superintendents, and later, Site Managers, have served as stewards of the site, and 2021 will see the opening of a new visitor centre and exhibit in the restored Stores Building, offering visitors a comprehensive interpretation of this national treasure. Watch for the announcement and join us for the grand opening!
Tenure |
Superintendent |
Highlights |
Government Department |
1895-1906 |
J. Boyd |
|
Department of Railways and Canals |
1906-1907 |
F.B. Fripp |
|
|
1907-1936 |
J.W. LeBreton Ross |
|
|
1936-1943 |
J.S. Macleod |
|
|
1943-1948 |
L.B. MacCourt |
|
|
1948-1949 |
J.L. Thauvette |
|
|
1950-1957 |
Colonel G. Philips |
|
|
1957-1981 |
J.D. Bouchard |
|
St. Lawrence Seaway Authority
Parks Canada Agency |
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