The Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site officially kicks off 2021 navigation season, commemorating 101 years of through navigation

From: Parks Canada

News release

Visitors are asked to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

May 28, 2021                  Peterborough, Ontario                     Parks Canada Agency


National historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas offer Canadians places to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors and opportunities to discover history, while respecting the guidance of public health experts.

Beginning today, the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is pleased to welcome land-based visitors and boaters for the 2021 navigation season.

The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. Before visiting the lockstations, there are a few things that visitors should be aware of:

·  Masks are Mandatory for Service: Mask use is mandatory for visitors in situations where they will be within 2 metres of Parks Canada team members or other visitors, including if they require assistance when locking through.  Masks are also required for the use of washrooms at lockstations and during sales transactions.

·  Maintain Social Distancing: Visitors must respect the safety of others at all times by maintaining their distance from other visitors and Parks Canada team members.  Please respect the roped-off areas on the lock walls that provide a safe working space for our staff. Custom window clings with scannable QR codes will also be on-site at each lockstation, allowing visitors to scan for information instead of using traditional handouts.

·  Plan ahead. The Parks Canada website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare, and what services are available. Be sure to check the website before you travel.

·  Follow travel restrictions and respect the guidance of public health experts. We all need to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep one another safe. It is important to always follow travel restrictions, even when visiting national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

·  Leave no trace. Help us keep this special waterway and its surrounding communities clean by using appropriate garbage containers or by taking all your garbage with you.

Further information and tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit are available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info/covid-19-visite-visit.

This year, the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will open for its 101st year of through navigation. Canadians are encouraged to join Parks Canada in celebrating this milestone by participating in numerous activities throughout the season. From culinary experiences such as #TasteoftheTSW and virtual visits through Google Earth and Facebook Live events, there are many ways for visitors to soak in the history of the Trent-Severn Waterway and commemorate this special occasion. 

                                                                                                -30-

Quotes

“Over the past year, so many Canadians have benefited from the health and wellness benefits that come from being outdoors and in nature. I too have taken every opportunity to get outside. National historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas offer countless opportunities for Canadians to safely connect with nature and history while following the guidance of public health authorities to help limit the spread of COVID-19. I am looking forward to the 2021 visitor season as Parks Canada places allow us to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories close to home at the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“We are truly lucky to have the Trent-Severn Waterway in our backyards. Throughout the pandemic, it has provided an escape for community members to experience living history and enjoy the outdoors. As we continue to stay close to home to limit the spread of COVID-19, I encourage constituents to explore this local treasure.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef 
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Peterborough—Kawartha.  

 

“For Parks Canada, the health and wellbeing of visitors, employees, and all Canadians are of the utmost importance. The Parks Canada team is working extremely hard to provide a safe, clean, and healthy experience at the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site and everyone can play an important role. Visitors should make every effort to plan ahead, respect travel restrictions, follow the guidance of public health experts, make safe choices, and leave no trace when visiting outdoor spaces. By working together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable 2021 visitor season for all.”

Ron Hallman
President & Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada 

Quick facts

  • Looking to learn more about the Trent-Severn Waterway? In 1920, after almost a century of construction, all of the Trent-Severn’s linkages, consisting of 45 locks, some 50 km of man-made canals, 130+ dams and countless areas that were altered by dredging or flooding, created a fully navigable system. Today, the Waterway is a cherished home to many and has become a thriving world-class tourist destination, welcoming a flow of recreational boaters and land-based users every year.

  • Do you follow us on social media? Social media will be used to engage audiences throughout 2021. This includes a series of Facebook Live events featuring Parks Canada staff at key sites, talking about the history and the function of the locks and other infrastructure, providing an on-location insider tour and answering questions in real time will take place throughout the season. Visitors are encouraged to follow the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site on Facebook and Twitter. 

  • Are you a foodie? In partnership with the Trent-Severn Trail Towns program, local purveyors of food and drink will be offering up delicacies inspired by their connection to the Trent-Severn Waterway as part of #TasteoftheTSW. Look for custom window clings at businesses taking part.

  • Want to visit from the comfort of your home? Through the "TSW101" Google Earth Project, Canadians will be able to take a virtual tour that shares the story of the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada. This free public-facing platform is designed to highlight specific geographical regions and points of interest, using Google's satellite imagery and Street View technology. As online visitors navigate from lockstation to lockstation on the map, embedded mixed-media content blocks will appear on-screen and fill in the key historical details of each place, helping tell the Waterway's complete story. 

  • Want to learn more? A dedicated web page on the Trent-Severn Waterway website will serve as a primary information portal for centennial + 1 activities. The website will evolve over the season, adding new content to keep the feel fresh and engaging. Visitors are encouraged consult the website frequently.  

Associated links

Contacts

Moira Kelly
Press Secretary    
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-271-6218
moira.kelly@canada.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca

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