Parks Canada’s historic canals in Montérégie to stay open until October 31
Parks Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian National, the Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway, and Quebec’s Department of Transport, has extended the navigation season on the Richelieu River until October 31, 2011.
Floods caused by tropical storm Irene closed the Erie Canal on August 27 and 28, trapping some 250 boats in the New York State Canal System. At the request of the New York State Canal Corporation and the New York State Governor’s Office, Parks Canada agreed to keep the canals at the Chambly and Saint-Ours historic sites operational until October 31 thus providing an alternate navigation route via the St. Lawrence and Richelieu rivers.
The historic canals normally close the Tuesday after Canadian Thanksgiving. Exceptionally this year, Parks Canada will operate the locks from October 10 to 31, by reservation only. Pleasure boaters may reserve at the St-Ours Lock or by calling
450-447-4804.
Parks Canada is thus extending the navigation season shortened by spring floods in the region, and hoping to introduce a new clientele of pleasure boaters to the beauty and appeal of the Montérégie as they pass through the Richelieu Valley.
