Work begins on the Lachine Canal
Entrance to the Lachine Canal, artist unknown, 1826. McCord Museum, MP-1976.288.2
1821
The Lachine Rapids made it impossible to navigate the St. Lawrence River west or upriver from Montréal. In 1821, the government of Lower Canada began building a canal so that ships could navigate past the obstruction. It took four years to construct, was 15.5 kilometres long and 15 metres wide, and included locks that accommodated the 13 metre difference in ground levels along the route. The canal was widened to 36 metres in the 1840s and the locks were standardized. In 1874, the canal was further improved.
Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.