Canal historical site gets more funding, dignitaries get tour (7 photos)

$790,000 in federal funding towards the restoration of the city’s swing dam was announced by MP Terry Sheehan at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site on Saturday.

The money will go towards upgrading the protective paint finishing, repairing the decking and handrails, as well as towards maintaining the base.

The funding was announced at a ceremony to mark the completion of extensive upgrades done to Canal Drive and a moment for Parks Canada Staff and local leaders to reflect on the status of the reconstruction of the canal historic site, that, with the new funding, is a five-year, $13 million project.

Over the course of about a year, Canal Drive received upgrades to its paving, lighting, sidewalks and an extended parking lot.

“As part of our mandate it is important that we preserve and protect our resources,” said Robin Lessard.

Part of the parking lot reconstruction was the removal of a berm which now allows a clearer view of the locks and the 121 year-old Powerhouse and 'old store house' buildings which, as previously reported by SooToday, are being restored.

Right now the 'old store house' is covered in a large protective white dome.

Each stone from the south wall was taken down and catalogued while work was being done and the foundation was replaced.

The work is ongoing and should be completed late this summer said Project Manager Barry Guzzo.

Saturday’s event was dubbed ‘The Road to 100’ and in celebration of ‘100 years of national historic site activities’ they were hoping to get 100 cyclists using the road on Saturday.

The redevelopment of the historic site was done in consultation with Batchewana First Nation.

For example, the parking lot was made without pay meters in order that First Nations people would not be restricted access to their land said Chief Dean Sayers.

The ceremony was also held in conjunction with Canada's 150th anniversary.