Kirkfield Lift Lock to open season with single lock service as repairs continue

Single-chamber lockages will be in place for the 2023 boating season as work continues to repair the Kirkfield Lift Lock, Parks Canada announced this week ahead of Friday’s opening of the TrentSevern Waterway season.

On Sept. 2, Kirkfield’s lock site was closed due to a mechanical failure. Since then, construction crews have been on-site working to restore the asset to full operation.

Parks Canada reports that while repairs are progressing well, boaters will see expedited single-chamber lockages in place for the start of the 2023 season.

The single-chamber lockages will operate on demand and are estimated to take about 60 minutes.

“This timing will be finalized upon the final commissioning of a new pump installation,” states a press release from Parks Canada.

In addition, short delays may be experienced as vessels are grouped for each transfer. Boaters are being requested to remain on their vessels during the transfer and listen carefully to all instructions provided by lock staff.

Given the current conditions and with construction activities expected to continue outside of regular hours of operation, overnight mooring is not recommended at this time, and boaters are encouraged to moor at adjacent lock stations.

“If boaters should decide to moor at the Kirkfield Lift Lock site, they will be placed on the upper reach of the lift lock but will be able to access the grounds and public washrooms via the south stairs from the upper reach,” states Parks Canada.

For land-based visitors, due to the requirements of the construction project, the public parking lot at the lock station will be closed until further notice.

Parks Canada is asking visitors to the site to also respect any temporary restrictions to the grounds that may be in place for the construction project.

Additional updates on the completion of the repairs will be announced as the project progresses.

“Visitor safety, as well as the safety of our team members and contractors, is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada — delays with this process may occur, and we appreciate your understanding and patience,” states Parks Canada.

The Kirkfield Lift Lock is Lock 36 on the Trent-Severn Waterway system, a 386-kilometre system which operates between the Victoria Day and Thanksgiving Day weekends, connecting Georgian Bay at Port Severn and the Bay of Quinte at Trenton.