Port Severn Swing Bridge, Lock 45

Surveys dating back to the 1790s led to the selection of Port Severn as the western outlet for the Trent Canal. In 1913, York Construction Company received the contract to build a main regulating dam, small water control dams, and a lock, while the Hamilton Bridge Company was contracted to build and install the swing bridge. These projects encouraged the region's growing tourism industry and provided work for many local residents, most of them French Canadians. A proposed generating plant at the dam by the Ontario Hydro Electric Power Commission was cancelled. The Department of Railways and Canals added a residence for the lockmaster, along with a stores building and shelter typical of the era when the locks operated day and night throughout the season. Although those buildings were later removed, the lock station retains its historic character and manual operation.

Ontario · Canada