Traffic Interruptions Expected At Kirkfield Lift Lock Until Friday Evening For Repairs

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Parks Canada advises the public to expect traffic interruptions at the Kirkfield Lift Lock until Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE KIRKFIELD LIFT LOCK IS LOCATED A FEW KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE VILLAGE OF KIRKFIELD. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA.

A crane will be on-site to support the final repairs at the Kirkfield Lift Lock before the navigation season.

“We expect to be able to maintain both lanes of traffic flow on Kirkfield Road (County Road 6), although traffic controls, including flaggers and signage, will be in place as needed,” according to a press release statement.

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Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Open to Vehicular Traffic; Short Intermittent Closures May Still Occur

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Parks Canada has reopened the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge to vehicular traffic announced Friday morning.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Short intermittent closures may still be experienced for commissioning before the start of the navigation season. The intermittent closures will be timed to ensure the least impact on the community. For any closures requiring a longer duration (half-day/full-day closures), notification will be issued with 24-hour notice.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout the construction period. We remain committed to minimizing disruptions while ensuring the safety and functionality of this vital transportation link,” according to a press release statement.

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Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Closed Infrastructure Work Beginning Thursday Afternoon; Will Reopen Friday Evening

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Parks Canada advises that the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge will be temporarily closed to the public for infrastructure work from Thursday at 1 p.m. through Friday at 5 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Traffic delays of 15-20 minutes can also be anticipated on Thursday morning.

The public can expect a series of intermittent closures in preparation for the start of the navigation season on May 17. These closures will facilitate the installation of vertical end lifts, which will ensure the bridge seals tightly to the abutments during normal swing operations.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout the construction period. We remain committed to minimizing disruptions while ensuring the safety and functionality of this vital transportation link,” according to a press release statement.

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Partial Lane Closure At Kirkfield Lift Lock For Repairs Scheduled For Tuesday Until Saturday

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The Kirkfield Lift Lock (Highway 503) will experience traffic interruptions from a lane closure starting from Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m. according to Parks Canada.

THE KIRKFIELD LIFT LOCK IS LOCATED A FEW KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE VILLAGE OF KIRKFIELD. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA.

The closure facilitates crane access, supporting the Kirkfield Lift Lock Urgent Repair project according to Parks Canada. Traffic controls, including flaggers and signage, will be in place as necessary.

The pedestrian walking path from the south side to the washrooms through the road-level walkway will be unavailable during this period.

While repairs progress, Parks Canada advises boaters that single chamber lockages remain in place, operating on demand and taking approximately 60 minutes per transfer.

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Fifth-Annual Lock & Paddle Hits Peterborough Lift Lock This Saturday

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Parks Canada’s fifth-annual Lock & Paddle event is welcoming back paddlers and spectators at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada this Saturday at 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

This year’s theme ‘Lift Your Spirits,’ invites paddlers and attendees to show us what makes them happy! Paddlers get to experience going down the Lift Locks and paddling through the canal. This free all-ages event invites anyone to decorate their vessel, wear a costume or have fun.

To participate, registrants can go apply online.

Beginners or those with accessibility needs can enter the waterway at the Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Canoes can be launched at the following places:

There is no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Handicapped Accessible signage). A paddle craft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre.

Parking options nearby

This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event that will happen rain or shine.  

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Parks Canada Invites the Community to Celebrate Canada Day With the Trent-Severn Waterway

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This Canada Day, Parks Canada is welcoming visitors to celebrate the natural heritage of Canada on the Trent-Severn Waterway by offering free lockage for recreational boaters on July 1.

photo courtesy of parks canada.

As cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences and supporting tourism in communities across the country.

They say that by encouraging Canadians to visit national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas and providing them with the information and means to enjoy them, Parks Canada enables more Canadians to learn about our shared heritage and experience the outdoors.

To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Visit the Parks Canada website for more details.

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Parks Canada Announces Temporary Closure of Warsaw Road Swing Bridge June 29

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Parks Canada advises the public of the temporary closure of the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge on June 29 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

file photo.

This one-day closure of the bridge, located on Parkhill Road East between Armour Road and Television Road, is required for seasonal maintenance purposes.

Members of the public are encouraged to use alternate bridge crossings at Maria Street or Lansdowne Street, where traffic control measures and detour signage will be in place.

Parks Canada is leading this infrastructure work 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, including investments in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough.

For more information on this project, visit the website.

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Flood Watch Update Issued For Trent-Severn Waterway Tuesday

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A Flood Watch Update was issued for Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management on Tuesday April 11– notifying them that flooding is possible.

file photo.

The waterways within Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction and the headwaters of the Trent-Severn Waterway (Reservoir Lakes/Haliburton Lakes region) will experience above normal air temperatures through Sunday April 16.  The next rainfall event is forecasted for the 16th is through Tuesday April 18 with potential rainfall amounts in the range of 15 to 30 millimetres. 

Parks Canada is currently managing water through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway.  With the increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes, water levels will continue to increase and result in breakup of ice cover and potential ice jams. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake shoreline is expected.  

Water levels and flows on the Otonabee River have levelled off and will remain steady.  Potential increases to water levels and flows may result from further water management due to additional runoff from the forecasted rainfall event. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Otonabee River is expected. 

Otonabee Conservation advises area municipalities to prepare for swelling of rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands with possibility of waters inundating adjacent properties and roads. Shoreline residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Residents and visitors are advised not to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. Adults, parents and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts and bridges). 

Water levels can be monitored on-line at: 

  1. Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

  2. Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data   

  3. Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website  

This Flood Watch Update message will expire Tuesday, April 18 unless updated earlier.                                                               

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Government of Canada Invests $74 Million into Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

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Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced approximately $74 million in funding for projects related to infrastructure improvements along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

Current rendering of the Whites Portage Dam. Originally constructed in 1918, the dam regulates the lake’s water level and outflow into Gloucester Pool. photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

On Wednesday, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault announced that the funding will be distributed over three years for this project.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is Canada's largest, and one of the most visited national historic sites. The waterway welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year.

The network of protected areas administered by Parks Canada is a gateway to nature, history and 450 000 kilmometres2 of stories from coast to coast to coast.

Investing in these locations is said to help support the protection of natural heritage and rich history, increase climate resiliency and create jobs in local communities, while providing visitors with high-quality, safe and meaningful experiences across the country.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the sustainability of Parks Canada assets. These national heritage places provide cultural, environmental and economic vitality for Canadians,” said Guilbeault. “Parks Canada’s robust dam and lock improvements along the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will ensure critical flood mitigation for regional communities and provide for safe navigational experiences for Canadians to connect with nature.”

Rendering of the new Whites Portage Dam design, which will replace the existing dam in the same location and orientation. photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Through this federal investment – part of the $557 million in funding announced by the Government of Canada in late 2022 – Parks Canada will conserve the heritage value of these important cultural resources.

The investments in infrastructure along the Trent-Severn Waterway will enhance Parks Canada’s ability to mitigate flood risks, protect heritage in Canada and strengthen the appeal of this world-class waterway as a destination for visitors and tourists.

Once these infrastructure projects are complete, the lifespan and function of these structures will have been extended for decades, continuing to connect and protect local communities. The work supported through this investment includes:

  • repairs to the Kirkfield Lift Lock;

  • recapitalization of the walls, tunnels and valves at Lock 42 – Couchiching;

  • recapitalization of the Little Chute Dam “G” near Port Severn;

  • replacement of the Whites Portage Dam on Six Mile Lake;

  • recapitalization of the valve tunnels for Healey Falls Locks 16 and 17; and,

  • creation of an access road from White’s Falls Road to the Pretty Channel Dam.
    Parks Canada has a mandate to conserve and present national heritage places in Canada. More than just supporting visitors as cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada’s assets play critical functions, such as transportation, water management, public safety, and services to residents and businesses, while being a source of shared pride for Canadians. These upgrades will help ensure public safety, quality and reliability for visitors, incorporate green technologies and climate resilience, while connecting Canadians with nature and history.

“From First Nations to fur traders to lumber barons and steamship traffic, the Waterway has linked communities across Ontario for over a hundred years. Investments in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site’s infrastructure are essential for public safety, preserving natural and cultural heritage, ensuring environmental protection and conservation, and providing benefits for visitors, local communities and the nation’s tourism industry,” said Guilbeault.

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Repairs to Kirkfield Lift Lock To Begin; Temporary Lane Closures on Kirkfield Road

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Parks Canada advises that there will be intermittent single-lane closures on Kirkfield Road, at Lock 36 near the community of Kirkfield in the City of Kawartha Lakes between Feb. 21 and Feb. 24.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

The single-lane closure is required to facilitate the placement of a crane as work continues on repairs to the Kirkfield Lift Lock.

Flaggers will be in place, and the public can expect short delays.

Parks Canada thanks nearby area residents and visitors for their patience during this closure.

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