Press Releases

Reminder to the public: Magnet Fishing is prohibited in all historic canals administered by Parks Canada 

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC, July 7, 2023 – Magnet fishing is a growing practice. Although perceived as a means of voluntary environmental clean-up, this activity is strictly prohibited in all historic canals administered by Parks Canada.

Under the Historic Canal Regulations (sections 3 and 11.2), the removal of any object from a historic canal is not permitted at any time without first obtaining a permit. 

At first glance, while the objective of removing objects from the canals may seem commendable, this practice poses a greater risk to the environment and to visitor safety than simply leaving the objects in place. Stirring up the bottom of the canals can not only disturb aquatic habitats but can also release contaminated sediments in sites that have a significant industrial past. Participants may be exposed to the handling of dangerous objects such as weapons or other sharp objects, as well as potentially contaminated elements.                                             

Historic canals are made up of various structures whose integrity can also be affected by the practice of this activity. In addition to bridges and footbridges, the canals include weirs and siphons, water, and electrical conduits, and potential archaeological remains that could be damaged or destroyed by the practice of magnetic fishing. Parks Canada's mandate is to protect and conserve cultural and natural resources. Consequently, such an activity cannot be authorized and anyone found in non-compliance could be subject to a fine.

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site officially kicks off its 2023 boating season!

MONTREAL, Quebec, May 26, 2023 – The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site is pleased to welcome boaters for the 2023 boating season. This morning, the Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the season! 

Whether they’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, a chance to explore nature and history, or a break from everyday life, the historic canals administered by Parks Canada in Quebec offer countless fun and unique experiences to suit every visitor’s and boater’s needs.

Should you wish to learn more about the historic canals, please consult the Parks Canada Website and follow us on Facebook @QCCanals.

Spread the word, and enjoy the 2023 navigational season!

Work on the boardwalk's lamp posts

August 22, 2022, Montréal, Quebec, Parks Canada Agency- Parks Canada wishes to inform the public that work will be undertaken as of August 29, 2022 to repair the lamp posts along the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Boardwalk, adjacent to the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site. The work will take approximately 7 days over a period of 2 to 3 weeks to replace the lamp posts wiring to render them functional and therefore ensure the safety of the site. Few impacts are expected and visitors will be able to continue strolling along the boardwalk.

The Parks Canada team will remove each lamp post, install the new wiring, replace the lamp post and complete the restoration. Some excavation may be required. The team will proceed in stages, one lamp post at a time, which will maintain public access to the boardwalk.

During the work, Parks Canada asks everyone to exercise caution and respect the worksite areas and the signage in place. At all times, the safety of users and workers remains a priority for Parks Canada.

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Information

Parks Canada, Quebec Waterways
External Relations Directorate
pc.comm.canal.pc@canada.ca
@QCCanals(Facebook)

Launch of the Boating Season

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE, May 20, 2022 – The warm weather is finally here! It’s the perfect time to head back outside and reconnect with the places we love! Everyone is invited to take a moment this summer to visit the new facilities at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site.

The Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the 2022 season this morning!

Are you dreaming of taking part in this wonderful experience? Visit the Parks Canada Website to learn about the many opportunities offered by Canada’s historic canals, and register now for your lockage permit! Spread the word, and enjoy the 2022 navigational season! parkscanada.gc.ca/canals.

Parks Canada announces the inauguration of the upstream wharf at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site

June 14, 2021, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Parks Canada Agency — The Government of Canada invests in the preservation and restoration of national historic sites across the country to support sustainable tourism, create jobs in local communities and continue its efforts to combat climate change.

Today, Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, inaugurated the upstream wharf at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site. The Government of Canada has invested more than $4 million so that citizens and thousands of visitors may once again use this iconic site.

A must-see regional tourist attraction, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site features beautiful spaces for walks or relaxation and is the gateway to a waterway marked by over 150 years of history. Over the past decade, the upstream wharf has been affected by climate change and more frequent flooding resulting in recurrent damage. The renewed wharf has been resurfaced with concrete and wood inserts, which are materials that will better withstand spring freshets and flooding.

In recent years, the Sainte-Anne-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site has also undergone quite a facelift with the upstream wharf and lock restoration infrastructure projects, among other things. Significant improvements have also been made to the trails and the site’s layout. Visitors will be able to enjoy new concrete benches that mark the width and crossing of the first lock, as well as the engraved stone at the entrance to the wharf commemorating the dates of the first and second locks. The new amenities will ensure user safety and maintain the pleasure-boating activities associated with the Canal.

Canada’s network of protected areas plays an important role in helping to address the effects of climate change. Thanks to infrastructure investments, Parks Canada can protect and conserve our national treasures, while supporting local economies and increased tourism. 

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“The impacts of climate change on Parks Canada-administered sites are complex. The Agency is committed to incorporating climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into its work, as demonstrated by the completion of the major infrastructure project for Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site’s upstream wharf. The project will help restore public access to this major attraction on the western part of the Island of Montreal. This is a significant benefit to local tourism and the many jobs that depend on the Canal, while also part of sustainable tourism practices. We can be proud of these efforts!” 

Related Links

• Parks Canada website
• Parks Canada mobile application

Installation of nesting platforms for Common Terns

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, May 26, 2021 – Parks Canada recently installed nesting platforms for Common Terns at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site. After noticing the presence of tern nests on the ground last year, in the corners of the then damaged jetty, our environmental experts came up with the idea of setting up the platforms to allow these birds to nest safely, protected from predators and human activity. 

Frequent disturbances during brooding can lead to the eggs being abandoned and thus jeopardize the survival of the chicks. The tern usually nests near bodies of water, on islands and beaches made of sand, pebbles, rocks or dry twigs. Il is known to adopt artificial structures that mimic preferred conditions. 

The rafts installed at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal were designed based on a model that has proven successful at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto. The surface is covered with granular materials and small wooden shelters to protect the chicks. 

What is a Common Tern?

The Common Tern is a protected species under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. The tern has long, narrow wings, a forked tail and a black crown. Its body is white and slender than a seagull. The tern generally arrives in the Montréal region in early May. After a few weeks of prospecting for the ideal location, the tern nests from mid-May to August and rears its young until mid-September. The tern is very loyal to its nesting site, which means that it tends to return to where it was born. 

Launch of the Boating Season
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE, May 21, 2021 - This morning, Parks Canada’s team was happy to welcome at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site, the first boater of the 2021 season.

The health and safety of visitors, boaters and employees is of the utmost importance and the Agency will follow the advice and guidance of public health authorities to determine visitor access and services. 

Transport Canada's physical distancing standards for Canadian boaters must also be respected. It is possible that boat capacity may be considerably reduced depending on the canal, and that the wait time increase. 

For more details about the service periods and the measures taken by the Agency to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Quebec’s historic canals, please visit the COVID-19 and your visit to the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal webpage or call 1-888-773-8888 to plan your visit. 

Canal Visitors Banks 

Parks Canada is asking visitors to follow the advice of public health experts and to practice physical distancing and hygiene measures, limit public gatherings, as well as respect travel restrictions. 

Visitors should also leave no trace when they are visiting canal banks. Garbage containers has been installed to that end. If a garbage can is full, visitors should use the next one or bring their garbage with them.

Felling of a Colorado Spruce

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE, Quebec, May 12, 2021 – Parks Canada wishes to inform the public that the large Colorado spruce tree located at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site will be felled in the next few days. Indeed, a recent assessment by a forestry engineer showed that the tree, although healthy, might be uprooted during strong winds because of its steep incline. As a precaution, the tree will be felled to avoid any risk of falling and to ensure the safety of visitors. 

Parks Canada Agency is recognized as a leader in conservation and built heritage. Its mandate is to protect the historic integrity of the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal, but also its surroundings. Parks Canada works with field crews and community stakeholders to monitor and identify trees that may be at risk, and to take action when necessary. 

Once the tree is felled, Parks Canada will initiate various activities to revitalize and preserve the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal’s vegetation. This includes implementing a re-planting plan. Selected vegetation is planted in locations that are deemed suitable to ensure optimal growth and that do not pose a hazard to the integrity of canal elements.

Parks Canada recognizes that the tree canopy and extensive greenery are important elements of the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal and will continue to implement various measures to re‑plant trees and restore vegetation to preserve the natural beauty of this heritage site.

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

Plan contributes to preserving our nation’s heritage and connecting Canadians to history in the greater Montreal

December 17, 2020, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Quebec), Parks Canada Agency - The management plan for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site was tabled in Parliament yesterday. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a requirement of the Parks Canada Agency Act and guide the management of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. 

The new plan for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site outlines the following key objectives:

• Make the site more resilient to flood impacts;
• Make the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal a must-see destination and a meeting place;Create a layout and visitor experience that expresses the essence of the site.

National historic sites reflect the rich and diverse heritage of our nation. Parks Canada is committed to a network of national heritage places that celebrate Indigenous peoples, their histories, and cultures, as well as their special relationship with the lands and waters. 

The management plan for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal was based on input from public consultations, residents, partners and stakeholders, as well as visitors past and present. Through this management plan, Parks Canada will protect an important example of Canada’s cultural heritage, and provide an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover history in new and innovative ways.

The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal Management Plan is available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/qc/annedebellevue/gestion-management/gestion-management/plan-2020.

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Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians. They represent the best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the management plan that will help shape the future of this treasured place. As the Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis, I applaud this collaborative effort to ensure the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• A major tourist attraction in western Montreal, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site offers exceptional spaces for walks or relaxation and is the gateway to a waterway marked by more than 150 years of history.
• In recent years, approximately $ 15 million has been invested there to protect this place and ensure a safe and quality visitor experience. 
• Among the work carried out there, we should highlight the major repair work carried out on the maritime structures of the canal and on the upstream jetty, closed since the floods of 2017 which caused extensive damage.

Associated Links

Parks Canada
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic site
Facebook: @NHSinQC

Lockage schedule modification

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, September 30, 2020 - Parks Canada would like to inform boaters that due to a failure observed at the upper pivots of doors 1 and 4, the lock schedule has been considerably reduced until the end of the navigation season. In fact, only one lockage per day is now planned in each direction, allowing boaters to reach their home port.

Boaters must contact the lock staff at 514 457-5546 to make an appointment before going to the lock. Once there, boaters should use the NORTH gate on the downstream side of the lock, and the SOUTH gate on the upstream side. The maximum width of boats allowed in the lock is 15 feet.

Parks Canada calls on everyone to be lenient and cautious as they pass through the lock.

Urgent work at the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal

Interruption of navigation for approximately one more week

MONTREAL, Quebec, August 31, 2020 – Parks Canada wishes to inform the public that urgent work must be undertaken in the lock of the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site as of August 28. The work will take about 7 days to repair the upper brackets of the lock gates, which show significant signs of deformation. Navigation in the canal has been suspended since August 6. 

The resumption of navigation activities is scheduled for September 8. Parks Canada is aware of the inconvenience caused by this situation, but must go ahead with this work for public safety reasons, the breakage of one of these parts could cause the door to fall. After the repairs, one of the downstream gates will stay in the closed position, affecting the available width of the lock. This may have an impact on certain boaters, depending on the width of their boat. Maximum width of boats allowed to pass is 15 feet. The lockage schedule will be share in the next few days.

During the work, Parks Canada asks everyone to exercise caution and respect the worksite areas and the signage in place. At all times, the safety of users and workers remains a priority for Parks Canada. 

Parks Canada is leading infrastructure work in places like the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

2020 Navigation Season

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE, QUEBEC, June 2, 2020 – Parks Canada announces the upcoming gradual re-opening of the 2020 navigation season in Parks Canada’s historic canals in Quebec. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of activities and construction sites at Parks Canada places, the navigation season has been delayed in the province's historic canals. 

The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue canal is expected to welcome boaters for the navigation season from June 15, until Monday, October 12, 2020. In order to ensure the safety of employees and respect physical distancing (2 meters), access to the central island will be strictly reserved for lock keepers and other Parks Canada employees during the navigation season. Also, mooring will be limited to avoid excessive traffic on site since the access to the Promenade du canal is closed. Finally, three lockages will be scheduled at fixed hours every day: 9:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 

Work on the upstream jetty

The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site’s upstream jetty has been closed to the public since fall 2016, when repair work began. The region’s spring floods in 2017 and 2019 severely damaged its structure and lining, forcing Parks Canada to keep the jetty closed for visitor and environment safety reasons.

In May, work began to repair the upstream jetty. Until November 2020, workers will work around the clock to restore boaters and visitors access to this coveted jetty. 

This work will cause noise, dust and closures. Although lockages will take place according to the planned schedule, disruptions can be expected. 

Rest assured that Parks Canada and its entire team of lock keepers will work together to minimize the impact on users. 

Navigation season

The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance and the Agency will follow the advice and guidance of public health authorities in resuming visitor access and services. Only places and activities where health and safety risks can be mitigated will be available to visitors. The dates mentioned above are conditional to the evolution of the COVID-19 situation and the measures needed to flatten the curve ensure everyone's safety. 

Transport Canada's physical distancing standards for Canadian boaters must also be respected. It is possible that boat capacity may be considerably reduced depending on the canal, and that the wait time may be increased. We thank boaters for their patience and collaboration. 

Visitors and boaters should not expect to have the kind of experiences that they have had in the past.   As Parks Canada adapts to the COVID-19 situation, visitor access and services will be limited. 

Those who choose to access historic canals and waterways should follow the advice of public health experts on physical distancing. Everyone will need to be careful in their choices to avoid injury and to minimize any need for emergency response. 

For more details about the service periods and the measures taken by the Agency to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Quebec’s historic canals, please visit the Historic canals and waterways website or call 1-888-773-8888 to plan your visit.

Parks Canada temporarily suspends all visitor services across the country until further notice 

March 17, 2020, Gatineau, Quebec, Parks Canada Agency - The health and safety of Canadians, visitors, and Parks Canada team members is of the utmost importance to the Agency. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and taking steps to support the Government of Canada’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduce risks to visitors, employees, and other users of Parks Canada spaces. 

Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, Parks Canada is temporarily suspending all visitor services in all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across the country until further notice. The Agency will be monitoring the situation and will communicate regularly. 

Parks Canada will limit its activities to basic critical operations and many staff will work from home. Visitor facilities will be closed temporarily, including washrooms and day use facilities. Some conservation activities will also be temporarily suspended, including projects with external researchers. 

While visitor services are temporarily suspended, Parks Canada will continue to deliver a number of critical functions, including highway management and snow removal, fire response, dam operations and water management on historic waterways, as well as avalanche forecasting and control, among others.

Visitors may use front country and backcountry areas as well as accessible green spaces. Should Canadians decide to visit, they should remember that they are always responsible for their own safety. They should consult Parks Canada’s website to be prepared for their visit and be aware of any area closures. Search and rescue services may be limited. Visitors should exercise additional caution at this time and avoid activities with safety risks.

There are a number of tourism businesses and operations within Parks Canada places. These operators are valued partners and provide important services to visitors. They may continue to operate and clients should check with them before visiting to ensure that there has been no change to their services.

Parks Canada will cease taking new reservations until April 30, 2020. All existing reservations for this period will be refunded in full. In addition, the Agency is currently developing an approach to honour passes, in light of travel restrictions and closures related to COVID-19. Details will be communicated in due course.

A complete list of Parks Canada places that are closed and the parameters of these closures will be available on the Parks Canada website soon. Please visit pc.gc.ca regularly for updates.

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“At this critical time, our top priority remains the health and safety of Canadians. We are doing everything we can to contain the novel coronavirus and reduce the burden on our healthcare system. We all look forward to resuming normal operations at Parks Canada places, but for now we must follow the advice of public health experts and work together to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Related Links

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your visit to a Parks Canada location
• Public Health Agency of Canada

Parks Canada invites the public to share their views on the draft management plan for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, February 12, 2020 - Parks Canada is pleased to invite the public to share their views on the draft management plan for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site. This new plan will guide management actions and decisions for the Canal and will be a key tool to engage stakeholders and partners. 

Located at the western tip of the Island of Montreal, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal is the gateway to navigation on the Ottawa River. Established in 1843 for commercial activities, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal was used to transport timber and various types of merchandise before becoming a recreational boating waterway in the 1970s. 

The draft management plan was developed following a vision exercise conducted in February 2019 with a range of stakeholders in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. It contains strategies and key objectives for the management and operation of the national historic site for the next 10 to 15 years. The public will be asked to comment on propositions such as making the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal a must-see destination and an important meeting place; improving the site’s facilities and infrastructure to ensure their durability; and, presenting the history and landscape of the Canal through the development of new tools and a redesigned site layout. 

Parks Canada now invites visitors, residents of adjacent neighbourhoods and of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, partners, and organizations to contribute to the future vision of the Canal by attending the information session regarding the draft management plan. On-site, participants will be able to view information on the draft management plan, discuss with Parks Canada representatives and share their views at the kiosk provided for that purpose. Presentations of the draft management plan will also take place at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

The information session will take place on February 26, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church hall located at the 1 de l’Église St., Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 1W4. 

Those interested may consult a summary of the plan and comment online until March 2, 2020, at consultationcanal.ca/en. 

For any questions or information regarding the draft management plan, please contact Parks Canada by email at pc.comm.canal.pc@canada.ca, or by mail at 1899 de Périgny Boulevard, Chambly, Québec, J3L 4C3.