MP Dean Del Mastro delivers major investment for Trent-Severn Waterway

May 22, 2008

Peterborough, ON - In response to the report on the future and potential of the Trent-Severn Waterway, MP Dean Del Mastro, alongside Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, took immediate action and announced an investment of $63 million over the next five years in capital improvements to the Trent-Severn Waterway watercourse. The Government will invest $2.1 million of that funding in the portion of the waterway running through Peterborough.

“The waterway that connects us in this part of the country has been a rich and vibrant part of our history since before the first Europeans arrived in Canada,” said MP Del Mastro. “The Panel’s report and the wisdom of its contributors show us a way forward – so that future generations can enjoy and appreciate all that the Trent-Severn Waterway brings to its respective communities and to all Canadians.”

The report, written by the six-member Panel on the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada delivers on the Government of Canada’s commitment to respond to the MP for Simcoe North, Bruce Stanton’s Private Member’s Motion calling for an evaluation of the waterway’s potential to become:

• A greater source of clean, renewable electric power;
• A facilitator of economic opportunity and renewal for communities along its 386 km length;
• A premier recreational asset;
• A world-class destination for boaters.
  

“Our Government is committed the future of the Trent-Severn Waterway,” said Minister Baird. “It is thanks to the hard work of your local Member of Parliament Dean Del Mastro, and the members of the expert panel, that I have the pleasure of receiving this report and investing in the future of the Trent-Severn Waterway. We are following through with our tangible action to ensure that this historical landmark gets the special care it deserves and continues to be a world class destination for recreational boaters and a model of environmental sustainability.”

At the launch of the report on April 28, 2008 - Mr. Del Mastro and Minister Baird thanked the panel members for their diligence and open-mindedness. They also thanked those from across the region who took the time to share their views and expertise with the panel.

“As the Chair of the Trent-Severn Waterway Panel, I am pleased that the Government is moving quickly on our recommendations,” said Doug Downey. “On behalf of the Trent-Severn Panel members, I want to thank all those from across the region who presented their views to us. We were overwhelmed by the support we received in all of the communities along the Trent-Severn. It’s clear that the people of this region care passionately about the future of this historic waterway.”

The Trent-Severn Waterway is part of Canada’s system of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's cultural and natural heritage are presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.

The following projects will be undertaken over the next 5 years. These projects represent the $2.1 million investment in the portion of the waterway at runs through the Peterborough Riding.

Lock/Area Description Year

• Lock 19 - raise copewall height to prevent overtopping (2012-13)
• Lock 22 - replacement of 44 year old timber lock gates (2008-09)
• Lock 22 - repairs to timber crib walls with concrete copewalls (2010-11)
• Lock 22 - new control building to replace condemned building (2008-09)
• Lock 23 - replacement of 47 year old timber lock gates (2009-10)
• Lock 24 - repairs to timber crib walls with concrete copewalls (2009-10)
• Lock 26 - repairs to timber crib walls with concrete copewalls (2011-12)
• Lock 30 - replacement of 39 year old timber lock gates (2010-11)
• Young’s Point Foot Bridge - repairs to steel truss on pedestrian bridge (2008-09)
• Peterborough Lift Lock - upgrade of electrical and hydraulic systems (2008-09)
• Peterborough & Kirkfield Lift Locks - replacement of existing crossover values (2009-10)
• Buckhorn Dam - paint dam gates (2008-09)
• Bobcaygeon Dam - paint dam gates (2010-11)
  

The full report is available on the Panel’s web site at www.tswpanel.ca