Buckhorn’s Lock 31 opens to another busy season
Staff members are joined by summer students to keep things running smoothly
Lock 31 Buckhorn is a busy lock.
When it opens it has been visited during the off season by the Asset Management Team and two weeks before opening by the Lockstation Team.
The Asset Management Team has been inspecting and maintaining off-season. That includes dewatering, inspecting and repairing the gates, valves, concrete and associated infrastructure such as hydraulics and electrical equipment. Dewatering happens at selected sites as required.
The Lockstation Team consisting of the lockmaster, lock operator and two or three summer students is on scene two weeks before opening. This includes inspection and testing of the potable water systems, cleaning, washroom servicing, public safety signage installation, and caring for ground maintenance.
There is an important checklist of duties that relate to the operation of the actual lock, such as inspecting all of the mechanisms that make a lock work, followed by trial lockages to ensure that everything is in tip-top working order to welcome boaters and land-based users.
This Lockstation Team works from May to October with shifts averaging 11 hours a day in the outdoors be it rain or sun, cold or hot.
The Lockmaster is responsible for a variety of water management duties while overseeing general operation. Water levels must be maintained to provide for public safety including controlling flooding possibilities and protection of fisheries, wildlife habitats, water supplies, navigation and hydro generation. These jobs make communication with adjacent dams necessary.
Then there are the boaters that may need help with lines, they may ask about attractions in the area, are interested in the waterway history or ask about lock station operations. The team provides high quality information and help to all visitors as well as maintaining records of visitation levels, traffic and services provided.
Mooring overnight is one of those services. Each lockstation has a designated mooring section, and boaters can either buy a seasonal mooring pass or purchase a mooring pass from the lockstation team.
The pass comes with a campsite at no extra cost should boaters wish to pitch a tent. Shore power is also available in Buckhorn.
Karen Feeley, Trent Severn Public Relations and Communications Officer, explains that it is difficult to project exact numbers for boater traffic in any given year but the TSW welcomes over 125,000 vessels a year. With the current COVID-19 protocols in place, there has been a dramatic increase in pre-season permit sales.
Lock 31 went through a complete rehabilitation in the winter of 2016-17 which included repointing, grouting, and stone masonry repairs on the 130 year old stone masonry walls. The work also included repairs and repainting of the lower approach walls and painting of the steel lock gates. The work was nominated for and won a Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals Award of Merit — Conservation — Materials Craftsmanship & Construction.
Many thanks to Feeley and members of other TSW departments for the information above.
Enjoy the summer at Lock 31.
Hiking News
Parts of Peterborough County have been identified as risk areas on the 2021 Ontario Lyme disease map, including areas very close to Buckhorn. KLT is recommending that when you head out for a hike be prepared with proper shoes, clothing and the use of insect repellent and sunscreen.
If hiking with dogs check the guidelines on the spray for use on animals. The insect repellent is very important to use on your furry friends as well as on yourself.
Buckhorn Lions
The Buckhorn Lions are sponsoring a family barbecue at Ode’nang Park on Saturday, July 24 from 11 — 2.