Sept 26. 2022

Parks Canada advises that the Kirkfield Lift Lock will begin single-chamber lockages for through traffic only beginning on Monday, September 26, 2022.

On September 2, 2022, the Kirkfield Lift Lock suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in the site’s closure. Since then, Parks Canada team members have been on-site, working diligently to address the issue to allow for the passage of vessels to their home ports. After multiple inspections by qualified consultants on the superstructure and mechanical components, the Lift Lock has been approved to offer limited, single-chamber lockages to vessels returning to their home ports that cannot be trailered.

These modified lockages will be conducted beginning on Monday, September 26, 2022, and delays experienced by boaters will vary depending on the position of the Lift Lock chambers when the boater arrives. Boaters (and pets) will be asked to disembark their vessels while the transfer is underway.

Still, access to washroom facilities and shelter (in the case of inclement weather) will be made available. Vessels going up will experience a lockage time of approximately six (6) hours, while downbound vessels will experience a lockage time of approximately 30 minutes.

If your vessel cannot be trailered and you need to return to your home port, it is mandatory that you contact us as soon as possible by email at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca. Please include your full name, phone number, length and beam of your vessel, your current location, your home port and any additional special needs that our lock team needs to be aware of, such as accessibility issues. Parks Canada team members will be in touch via telephone to confirm and provide you with a time for your lockage.

Given that there are no amenities within walking distance of the site (restaurants, accommodations, etc.), please do not arrive at the Lift Lock until the date and time agreed to with our team. In addition, you are encouraged to ensure that you have sufficient provisions for the duration of your vessel’s lockage. While the parkland around the Lift Lock will remain closed to the public, you can use that space while your vessel is locked through.

Visitor safety, as well as the safety of our team members, is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada – delays with this process may occur, and we appreciate your understanding and patience.