Saturday's Lock & Paddle Event Cancelled Due to Air Quality Concerns

Parks Canada has cancelled Lock & Paddle, which was scheduled for Saturday at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, due to air quality concerns.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

According to Parks Canada, their decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to forecasted weather conditions and concerns about air quality, with the health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff remaining our highest priority.

As this event depends on the availability of the Peterborough Lift Lock and on operational requirements during the navigation season, Lock & Paddle will not be rescheduled this year.

Parks Canada released the following statement:

“We recognize that many paddlers and community members were looking forward to this unique event, and we appreciate your understanding.

Thank you to everyone who planned to join us, as well as our event partners and volunteers, for their continued support.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Peterborough Lift Lock for future events and opportunities to experience this remarkable National Historic Site.”

In addition to Lock & Paddle, the Beavermead Beach Party, which runs alongside the event, has also been cancelled.

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Renewed Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock Opens Its Doors This Friday

The renewed Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock is up and running and ready to open its doors to the public starting Friday.

Chad Bucker, Parks Canada Manager Canal Operations (left0 With Mayor Jeff Leal (right) commemorating the opening of the new Visitor Centre with a ceremonial key. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Centre is operated by Peterborough Tourism and the City of Peterborough’s tourism services and destination marketing program. The City’s Visitor Centre is an information hub where visitors and locals can access information about attractions, experiences and local businesses in Peterborough.

“Today marks a new beginning for one of Peterborough’s most iconic spaces,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.” We are excited to open the doors of the Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock and work to revitalize the space to incorporate  diverse perspectives of the shared cultures and histories of the community.”

@ptbo_canada The new Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock is now open all year around for visitors to explore local experiences along the waterway and beyond. #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #peterboroughontario ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio

Located at 353 Hunter St. E. at the base of the Lift Lock, the Visitor Centre can welcome travellers arriving by boat, car, bike or on foot.

“I am delighted on behalf of the federal government to share responsibility for this gem in the heart of the riding of Peterborough,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. "The Lift Lock represents some of the best of our past, but also our goals for the future. I know that the City of Peterborough will be the best custodians of this historical landmark for our community and all that visit our beautiful home.”

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Maria Street Swing Bridge to Be Closed For Repairs This Friday Morning

The Maria Street Swing Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists and pedestrians this Friday from 8 a.m. to noon for a mechanical repair, announced by Parks Canada on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the closure, detour signage is being installed.

Parks Canada recommends crossing at either Hunter Street East, McFarlane Street or Parkhill Road East.

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Lift Lock Tunnel to Temporary Close On Monday For Embankment Work

Parks Canada is temporarily closing the Lift Lock Tunnel on Hunter Street East in Peterborough to allow for work on the embankment, immediately east of the tunnel on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Tunnel will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday.

A signed detour route will be in place. Traffic control personnel will be on-site to assist with the movement of emergency services vehicles, transit buses, and heavy trucks. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly.

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Trans Canada Trail Crossing at Lock 20 To Temporarily Close For Several Hours

The Trans Canada Trail crossing at Lock 20 is closed for several hours to support the removal of the temporary bridge that has been in place since November 2025.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

The temporary bridge, also known as ‘Bailey’, was installed to maintain safe public access while Parks Canada completed the Lock 20 gate replacement project.

The successful completion of the work means the temporary structure is no longer required and will now be removed.

The work began at 8 a.m. on Monday.

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Parks Canada to Conduct Annual Maintenance on Parkhill Road Swing Bridge Starting Sunday

Parks Canada will perform annual spring maintenance on the Parkhill Road Swing Bridge on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Parkhill Road Swing Bridge from its construction in 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During that time, the bridge will be temporarily closed to all traffic while maintenance is underway. Detour routes will be posted.

The City of Peterborough and Parks Canada thank residents for their patience and cooperation.

This work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure and to support the long-term future of the Trent–Severn Waterway. 

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Maria Street Swing Bridge Closed Next Week For Maintenance and Infrastructure Planning

Parks Canada has stated that the Maria Street Swing Bridge will undergo temporary daily closures next week to support routine maintenance and ongoing infrastructure planning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It will be closed daily from 9 am to 2:30 pm from April 20 to 24.

During these hours, the bridge will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Outside of these times, the bridge will remain open and accessible.

The following is the work being completed:

• Annual bridge cleaning operations and routine inspection to maintain the structure and ensure continued safe use.

• Additional surveying and inspection of the structure to inform the fabrication and installation of the future replacement bridge.

• Minor repairs and maintenance measures as necessary, as identified during inspections. 

Marked detour and closure signage are being posted to allow everyone to plan ahead and use alternate routes during closure hours.

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Parks Canada Hosting Public Information Sessions For Infrastructure Projects in Peterborough

Parks Canada is hosting two Public Information Sessions on several major infrastructure projects taking place along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough. 

Parks Canada is undertaking these projects to help ensure public safety and support the long-term stewardship of the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site, preserving this important historic canal corridor for future generations.  Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Contractors are currently on site and work will soon begin on coordinated, multi-year projects that include the rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams, repairs and maintenance to the Peterborough Lift Lock and the replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge says Parks Canada.

The Public Information Sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the projects, including construction phases, timelines, anticipated impacts, mitigation measures, and the long-term benefits they will bring to the community. Representatives from Parks Canada will present project information and be available to answer questions. 

The same information will be presented at two sessions: 

• Virtual Public Information Session: March 23 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

• In-Person Public Information Session: March 24 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 
  Peterborough Lions Club, 347 Burnham St. 

Residents can register for either session by emailing Parks Canada at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca.  

Residents can also sign up for project updates by emailing trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and including “Peterborough Canal Projects” in the subject line. 

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Parks Canada to Peterborough Start Multi-Year Project For Earth Dams Rehabilitation and Maria Street Swing Bridge Replacement In Coming Weeks

In the coming weeks, Parks Canada will begin a coordinated, multi-year infrastructure project along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site involving Peterborough Earth Dams and the Maria Street Swing Bridge.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The work includes rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams to improve canal embankment slope stability and erosion protection between Lock 20 and McFarlane Street Bridge, increasing safety along the canal corridor; repairs and maintenance of the Peterborough Lift Lock to address water infiltration; and replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge to support continued safe use and increase its vehicle load carrying capacity while preserving the heritage landscape.

Work within the canal is scheduled outside of the operational season to minimize impacts on navigation. Temporary road closures, detours, and short-term restrictions on pathways, sidewalks and green spaces occur during construction. Parks Canada says they are working closely with the City of Peterborough to coordinate traffic diversions and reduce impacts on emergency services and public transit. Advance public notice will be provided ahead of any major closures or changes.

Regular project updates are provided through a dedicated project webpage and an email subscription list. A public information session is planned for March, with more details (such as construction phases, timelines, and closures) to be shared shortly.

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McFarlane Street Bridge Closed Until Oct. 10 For Redecking

The McFarlane Street Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians for redecking starting Oct. 6 and will continue until 7 p.m. on Oct. 10, according to Parks Canada.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Detour signage has been posted for alternate routes.

Parks Canada recommends to cross at either Hunter Street East, Maria Street or Parkhill Road East during the closure.

Navigation will remain unaffected during this period.

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