Soulanges Canal

The Soulanges Canal is an abandoned shipping canal in Quebec, Canada. It follows the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River between Pointe-des-Cascades and Coteaux-Landing, bypassing the rapids between Lake Saint-Louis and Lake Saint-Francis. In between, it passes through the towns of Les Cèdres and Coteau-du-Lac. It superseded the first Beauharnois Canal which was on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence. It is 23 kilometres (14 mi) long and had a 4.3-metre (14.1 ft) draught. Five locks measuring 85.3 m × 14 m (279.9 ft × 45.9 ft) give a total rise of 25 metres (82 ft).[1]

Soulanges Canal
LocationQuebec
CountryCanada
Specifications
Length23 km (14 miles)
Lock length85.3 m (280 ft)
Lock width14 m (46 ft)
Maximum boat draft4.3 m (14 ft)
Locks5
Total rise23 m (75 ft)
StatusAbandoned
History
Date completed1899
Date closed1958

History

The Soulanges Canal was named after the Soulanges Seigneury which was granted in 1702 by Governor Louis-Hector de Callière to Pierre-Jacques de Joybert, Knight and Lord of Soulanges.[2]

Operation of the Soulanges Canal was powered by a small hydro electric generating station. "Le Petit Pouvoir" is located near the middle of the canal and provided power for the motorized lock gates, electrical operation of the swing bridges, and illumination for the entire length of the canal at night. It was the first canal in the world to have its entire passageway lit by night, allowing round-the-clock operation.[3] It opened in 1899 and remained in operation until 1958 when it was in turn superseded by an enlarged Beauharnois Canal which is now part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

On May 22, 1974, five college women were killed when their car was hit by another, and they were pushed into the canal. Four of the women were students at Potsdam State College in Potsdam, NY. The other was a student at Albany State College in Albany, NY.[4]

Today, a popular cycling path follows the route of the canal.[5] In the past there have been plans to reopen the canal to pleasure boats, but these have not materialized.

  • A derelict lock
    A derelict lock

See also

References
  1. "Engineering News of the Week". Engineering News and American Railway Journal. 42 (2): 17. July 13, 1899. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  2. "Canal de Soulanges" (in French). Commission de toponymie du Québec. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  3. "A Fascinating History". Musée des Deux-Rives (English). Retrieved October 18, 2007.
  4. "Classmates Pallbearers for Sisters" (PDF). Massena Observer. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  5. "Montérégie Cycling Trails: Soulanges Canal". MontrealPlus.ca. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012.

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