Ottawa River Military Canals

The War of 1812 caused a number of things. Most importantly, it resulted in a victory celebration. There were also some more durable (as if a rocking hangover isn't durable) results. We Canadians are smart folks and we kinda figured the Americans would some day be militarily superior to us (we still await that day but, admittedly, they have closed the gap...:-)). So, we also moved our capital to Ottawa and set about building the infrastructure needed to support this objective. Despite the National Capital Commission's assertion that it is the best thing...EVER...in Ottawa, more practical projects included the building of two canals to supply the newly important and growing, yet isolated city...errr.....town. (Many Canadians and all Ottawans would argue Ottawa is still in the middle of nowhere and, frankly, as I don't actually live in the city, who am I to argue?).

The first of these (by a year), the Rideau Canal, is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place to skate.... before and after a couple of wobbly-pop(s). The second canal, or rather series of canals, are much less well known. (well, I didn't know anything about them until we drove over the Grenville Canal and I opined..."what the He** is that?". ). So, I did what all OAPers do in these situations....I drove away, came back about two years later and said to myself "Self, you have a camera this time and the race doesn't start until 1300, soooooo.....".

Matthew Farfan provides a great overview in his article [u]Military Canals of the Ottawa River[/u], the first link provided below. This an excellent read on the canals, their architecture, their shortcomings and their evolution to their current status. I understood it, so I know you'll all be fine.

The GPS coordinates provided are for the Grenville Canal. Unless you own SCUBA equipment, the Chute-à-Blondeau Canal is no longer visitable. The GPS coordinates for the Carillon Canal (which IS a National Historical Site...just sayin') are 45.567145, -74.376071.

As mentioned above, the Chute-à-Blondeau Canal is no longer with us and the Carillon has Parks Canada (and a still functioning lock) to support it. The Grenville Canal is a different story. According to "Heritage Canada" (which, despite its federal sounding name, is a charity - albeit with the Governor-General as a patron):

"[b]Overwhelmed by the high costs of restoration and maintenance, the small Village of Grenville, Québec, is pleading for a rapid intervention that would ensure the survival of its heritage canal. Currently suffering from an advanced state of dilapidation, the canal has great tourism potential but is severely under funded."[/b] The complete story from them is available at the second link. You can't even park on canal land (is that an oxymoron?) without a permit....available, you guessed it, at City Hall. So, at least they're trying. And, no, I didn't buy one. (City Hall was closed).