Parks Canada says the entire Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site will fully reopen to navigation Friday, May 29 following temporary delays caused by high water levels and strong flows earlier this spring.
The reopening includes locks 42 through 45, which had remained temporarily closed while Parks Canada crews managed water conditions throughout the system.
Officials say conditions have now improved sufficiently to safely restore navigation across the full waterway.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is a major seasonal tourism and recreation corridor connecting communities throughout Central Ontario, including areas serving boaters travelling through Hastings, Peterborough, and Trent Hills.
Despite the reopening, Parks Canada says water management operations remain ongoing and residents and visitors should continue exercising caution around the water.
According to Parks Canada, flows will continue increasing outside regular navigation hours until further notice as crews work to balance water levels across the watershed through dam adjustments and other management operations.
Officials warn that conditions outside navigation hours should still be considered non navigable and potentially unsafe.
Boaters are also being urged to reduce speed and minimize wake to help protect shorelines, infrastructure, docks, and other waterway users as higher than normal water conditions continue in some areas.
Parks Canada says additional fluctuations in water levels and flows may still occur depending on rainfall and evolving weather conditions throughout the watershed.
The agency says it will continue monitoring conditions closely and provide additional updates if required throughout the boating season.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
