Water Power on the Lachine Canal, 1846-1900

Opened in 1825, the Lachine Canal was used primarily for commercial shipping until the middle of the nineteenth century, when the hydraulic potential of the canal encouraged many businessmen to establish their plants and factories along its edges. The author describes the status of Montreal in the early nineteenth century and its economic growth over the years. Focussing on the businesses established around basin no. 2, the Saint-Gabriel locks, and the Côte Saint-Paul locks in the latter half of the century, the author describes the principal activities that characterized industrial development of the canal area -- flour milling, nail manufacturing, as well as woodworking, and tool-making -- and the issuing of leases related to water power and monopolies along the canal owned by several Montreal businessmen.

Ottawa, ON

Parks Canada

1982

en