The Panel on the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway

The reality is that boat traffic on the system is decreasing and will do so as fuel prices increase. This is the only use the system gets. The system is not really broke so why try to fix it? If anything, build more power stations as in Fenelon Falls. We need the energy. As for tourism, the system, except for the Trenton area on the 401 corridor, is in cottage country and cottages are not playing on the water as they have done in the past. All this is from observations of living in Fenelon and being in business for the last thirty years.

Michael Townsend

The Trent Severn Waterway must maximize the collection of revenue from all present and future features, paid admission to parks at all lock sites, museums or displays at most locks, generation of electric power at every dam, indeed there are now generators that can be deployed in a stream bed. Tours of villages, towns and cities all along the system.

Jane Ross

An infusion of money from government to address the problems of repairing and upgrading the system. A federal budget that will sustain the TSW. A clearly defined “level of authority” that is streamlined so that multiple contacts aren’t necessary. Communication with all levels of interest—clearly and easily understood—don’t’ forget the importance of the grassroots over cottage associations—we inform others on a face-to-face basis and bring a human touch. For instance, we had a TSW staff person speak at our annual general meeting in July and found it so informative. We came away with a much broader perspective. We’re even going to invite him back for our 2008 meeting. This is a perfect example of how to mesh people with the TSW and vice-versa. We, as an association, are educating our members—a perfectly delightful mix of newsletters, meetings and getting to know our neighbours.

Chris Greaves

Commercial Office in Fenelon Falls
– total system planning
– one stop system ticket
– public relations world-wide
system 'nature rules' for municipalities, cottagers etc.
– total system 'health' rules
New Name:
Central Ontario Canal Systems (C.O.C.S.)
Heritage Waterway System (H.W.S.)
Natures Waterway System (N.W.S.)

Pat Warner

Put back markers and buoys
Partnerships with communities such as Bobcaygeon and Fenelon for use of TSW lands and buildings so TSW and communities can share in economic development - ENVIRONMENT FIRST!

Pat O'Reily

Holistic view of clean water - i.e. the environment. We need to look at new boat fees, GST from vacation properties and marinas, gas tax to go BACK to the system. A priority from all levels of government, more national and international marketing

Marilyn Wooder

They are a necessary evil and the economy if the area depends on it. I think the water flow needs to be studies so that it can maintain more even water levels. I live on Glamour Lake in Gooderham and Little Glamor Lake in October is just a mud puddle with no water. This must have a strong impact on fish and wildlife in the area

Ab Dukacz

While originally a means of transporting essential goods, the TSW now acts primarily as pleasure boating resource. While shipping essential goods implied giving the TSW priority, there is no reason why pleasure boating on the TSW should be granted any priority over the pleasure and recreation interests of those who use the lakes
Any solution implies the need for mutual respect and consideration
For people on lakes affected by the needs of the TSW two things should form the basis of a resolution: 1 - reduce the range between high and low water levels (the water's edge on Pine Lake at W. Guilford has, on occasion during the last few years, been more than 100 feet from the end of the dock which in spring was reaching into the lake). 2 - Where significant changes in levels are about happen we should get adequate notice. We woke one day to find our 17-foot 100hp boat and motor a very long way from the water. When we were able later to float it, we found the hull cracked. Can you imagine the uproar if this had happened to boats in the canal?

George Simson

I live between Hastings and Campbellford on the Trent River. The weeds in the river are making many parts impassable. I would like to see the Commission do something to correct the problem of the weeds before it is too late!

Dr. Skye Morrison

We have a working mill - contributing to the Grid here in Hastings. I would like the Trent-Severn to bring the Historic bay from the Past to the Present. The Percy Portage - recently a focus of Watershed Magazine would be an ideal theme for a living theatre performance - let us put together ideas with 4th Line Theatre - Warkworth Center for the Arts - Aberville - Rick Beaver and Westben and make a special cultural experience for summer. I live here because I sought my 1830 ** from Dorothy Caldwell and Bill Woods. Dorothy Caldwell and I travelled to Newfoundland in 1991 for a conference and travelled to Trinity Bay. We participated in an amazing live action play of the History of the village. We went from homes to churches to general stores with musicians, dancers, children and the local dogs too. By the end of the afternoon everyone seemed like family. I moved here because I can live and work in a place that feels like family and is connected to my VEL roots as well as my Doctoral research in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. I want to use my skills as a folklorist** and material cultural designer to create a similar activity on the Trent Severn Waterway. I would also like to mention that the Federal Government needs to address the wastewater issues in the village of Hastings. We cannot survive without it!

Joan Taylor

We live on the water and our main concern lately is the enormous increase in weeds/ algae. We wonder if we'll be above to get our boat off the dock in the next year or two. Our wish is that the TSW will help us find a solution to the 'weeds' issue. Dredging efforts along the waterway would certainly help our cause. I'm sure most homeowners/ cottagers would hep with the cost. There are other solutions I'm sure. We need to have something done or there will be more problems to face down the road!

Joan Hallett

Weed control
Limit developers from putting up large resorts on shoreline (leave it natural)
Better check on older septic systems (they also enter the water system)
Repairs to the locks as deemed fit

Henry Recnitter

A waterway for the enjoyment and use of all Canadians, including residents and visitors
Water levels maintained for effective boating and weeds controlled so the waterways and lakes can be enjoyed to the fullest

Terry Thompson

I believe that it is important to raise the water levels to where they have been in the past. Water quality must be improved. Reduce the amounts of phosphates and nitrates going into the system to control the weeds. Restore the fishery and work to eliminate invasive species. I also think that it is a good idea to put bear proof garbage receptacles and recyclable containers at each lock to help encourage proper disposal. If we take care of the waterway, it will continue to grow and prosper

Tony Bridgens

Nobody seems to know who sets ‘the rule’ that governs the level of water in Lake Simcoe and Couchiching. Nobody knows if ‘the rule’ is up to date and meets current needs. We would be content if the level in Couchiching and Simcoe could be maintained high for a longer period in the fall e.g. till end of September before the logs are pulled in the dams at Washago. The level falls within a week so we cannot understand why the logs cannot stay put for a longer period. Boaters in Cumberland Beach are adversely affected
The TSW is very much a part of Canada’s Heritage. In my view, Canada does not do a good job of conserving the heritage e.g. tearing down the rail road Trestle in Hogs Bay 30 years ago or disabling the rail road turntable at the Athely Narrows; which would be an asset to snowmobiles if it were swung in winter for them e.g. Vicks Mill at Orillia waterfront
For evaluation of capital cost and engineering needs, I recommend Halsall & Associates, Engineers, Toronto. My daughter is VP.
We don’t want the waterway to be broken up like the railroads into privately owned portions. Britain has a renaissance of their canal systems, they must know something

Bernard Hallett

Lights, washrooms, restaurants and accommodation at each lock
Limit on gas change at marinas (not for just rich people)
Better signage and maps showing area at each lock
Pumping development away from waterway and beaches
Doing away with waste ponds that are discharged into the Severn River at Washago
Longer hours
Use green power – lighting, solar panels etc.
Cut fees – make it affordable for everyone

L Carter

Have one jurisdiction take hold of the TSW (federal? / township?) with a view to setting up enforcement and a level of fines. Perhaps an umbrella body.

Nick Hodson

Identified products, supportive infrastructure, identified customers, marketing, maintenance and development operations and planning, overarching governance body.
Immediate capital injection
Start with what you’ve got, fix what you’ve got, maintain what you’ve got and build on what you’ve got that stakeholders collectively value

Anne & Bob Gray

Operation and management of the system needs to be updated. There are cottages and homes now in our area that were not here when the Trent was established. By the end of July, our bay is often nothing but mud flats. Boats have to come out and swimming is impossible. This July 1^st, there were 5 logs already out of the dam in Eagle Lake

L. Alosinac

We, who live and vacation of the reservoir lakes should expect to enjoy a reasonable water level throughout the vacation seasons as our taxes reflect 'waterfront property'. We should be respected as stakeholders in the system, as should the environment

Gail Farrall

A waterway which showcases the Trent
Less weeds would be more appealing for boaters and swimming
The dams (#37) really needs attention. No communication regarding when work will be done
History needs to be conveyed along system and possibly teaching in public schools. We need to be proud of what we love

Ken Summers

I believe that we should be generating electricity at the dams along the waterway. We should build turbines in Canada, or two standard sizes installed in as many places as possible – small dams as well. This should be done by the private sector. It should cost government nothing other than to oversee projects. These generating facilities could be tourist attractions as well. This will have no impact on the environment and provide hydro to local communities in the event of disasters. Big hydro stations are not the only answer

Norm Lightbound

Without an effective weed management program, fewer and fewer people will want real estate (providing tax base) along the Trent-Severn waterway. I have been on the Trent, Canal Lake all my life and the weeds have made it a lake I want to leave, despite both my grandparents ashes being in the lake

Bob Mackie

We must protect the quality of the water in the system. E.g. police septic systems along the complete system control the weed growth in the system and maintain consistent water flow

Gary Morrison

If it can't show a profit, close it! Before it can do any more damage to the environment along the river. No one controls the pollution going into the river from boats, storm sewers, septic systems, runoffs, etc. The boat transfer speeds up the transfer of sediment and other unwanted marine organisms ie. Zebra Mussels etc

Kathryn McCann

Stop taking channel markers out
Deal with WEEDS
Institute recycling at ALL locks
Add hydro to locks for boaters (yes at a higher fee)
What’s with the dead carp?!?
Don’t download governance to Province or Municipality
Why are these meetings being held during vacation months July and August? A lot of people are away and cannot attend
Why is it that just the boats that go through locks pay? Many boats use the water but are not required to pay for the privilege
Do not close system – too many commercial businesses depend on waterway uses

Mary MacPherson

Need to enhance the lift locks – better viewing area, other tourist attractions there.
Meet with stakeholders of the developable land on the east side of the canal.
Provide a mechanism for dialogue with developer, municipal & federal government
Enhance tourism draw by moving the Canadian Canoe Museum to the general area

Sea Austin

Hoping that (all) Panel members and decision makers have an intimate “view” of the TSW (i.e. have traveled it – preferably by canoe or kayak!)
Not only is the TSW sustained now – but deeply promoted into the future for generations to enjoy (funding from the “automobile dominated” culture is put into a perpetual trust fund)
If the so called government of Canada is to “let go” of the TSW, then a cash offering (billions $) is given to the local stewards for upgrades, renewal and expansions
Whoever is involved in the process realises the “earthly” importance of such a transportation route – once again, beyond the dominance of automobile culture: a healthy eco-system!
Not only is the TSW sustained into the future – the TSW is expanded to include the lakes of Muskoka
Everyone has to sit at the table – no one dominator. Equal participants: a totally integrated and constantly progressive framework! Visionaries required…where are they?

Susan Ferguson

Affordable travel way through our communities
Clean safe water in the system
User-friendly shore/picnic area for no cash (ban parking fee)
Widespread advertising of this gem throughout North American and Europe
Our governments (federal/provincial/municipal) need to find budget to support the maintenance improvement of this natural resource.
Let Canadians support this TSW

In This Section

Presentations (click to expand)

Happy Days Houseboats, Jill Quast – September 14th, 2007

Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield, Reeve Ron Millen – September 14th, 2007

Douglas Crowe – September 14th, 2007

Rainbow Cottages, Tony Kenny – September 14th, 2007

Ken Brown – September 14th, 2007

Eels Lake Cottages and Marina, Carolyn Amyotte and Jeff Ball – September 14th, 2007

Lakefield Heritage Research, Gord Young – September 14th, 2007

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Jeremy Holden – September 14th, 2007

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Francine MacDonald – September 14th, 2007

Mayor Paul Ayotte and Malcolm Hunt – September 14th 2007

Township of Galway, Cavendish and Harvey, Councillor Peter Franzen – September 14th, 2007

Clear/Stoney/White Lake Plan, Robert Little – September 14th, 2007

Union of Canadian Transportation Employees Local 00056, Darlene Brown – September 13th, 2007

Buckhorn District Tourist Association, Louis Melizan – September 13th, 2007

Kawartha Heritage Conservancy, Ian Attridge – September 13th, 2007

Lovesick Lake Association, Ann Ambler – September 13th, 2007

Kawartha Lake Stewards, Kathleen MacKenzie – September 13th, 2007

Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, Dick Hunter – September 13th, 2007

County of Peterborough, Bryan Weir – September 13th, 2007

Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Edward Smith – September 13th, 2007

Heather Brooks Hill – September 13th, 2007

Jeremy Carver – September 13th, 2007

Betsy McGregor – September 13th, 2007

John Fuderer – September 13th, 2007

Kawartha Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Scott Davidson – September 13th, 2007

Homestead Campground, John Doomerick – September 13th, 2007

Caroline Tennant – September 13th, 2007

Eels Lake Cottage Association, Sandy Kilgour – September 13th, 2007

Canadian Boaters Association, Ernie Williams – September 12th, 2007

Marlene White – September 12th, 2007

Lock 42 and area Rate Payers Association, Doug Sinclair – September 12th, 2007

Ontario Waterpower Association (2) – September 11th, 2007

Fenelon Falls and District Chamber of Commerce, Bill Goulding, President - August 16th, 2007

Frank Kinzinger - August 16th, 2007

Ross Hawe - August 16th, 2007

Stephen Gibson - August 16th, 2007

Bob Pennock - August 16th, 2007

Harwood Station Heritage Museum, Kevin Ambeault - August 15th, 2007

Coalition for Equitable Water Flow, Bonnie Fleischaker - August 14th, 2007

County of Haliburton, Murray Fearrey, Warden - August 14th, 2007

Soyers Lake Ratepayers' Association, Dave Pengelly and Dennis Good - August 14th, 2007

Jason Barnucz – August 9th, 2007

City of Kawartha Lakes - August 9th, 2007

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, D. Gayle Wood – August 8th, 2007

Municipality of Trent Hills, Hector Macmillan et al – July 25, 2007

North Seymour Ratepayers Association Inc, Don Knowles – July 25, 2007

City of Quinte West, Gerrit DeBruyn – July 24, 2007

Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority, Jim Kelleher – July 24, 2007

RCAF Trenton Squadron: Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons, John Fear – July 24, 2007

Trent Conservation Coalition, Lower Trent Conservation, Jim Kelleher – July 24, 2007

Centre Point Landing Ltd, Tom Bath – July 17, 2007

Batawa Development Corporation, Heather Candler – July 5, 2007

Scugog Lake Stewards Inc., Sandy Beaton – July 5, 2007

Township of Scugog, Bev Hendry CAO – July 5, 2007

Whispering Pines Cottages On Rice Lake, Roger Fayle – July 4, 2007

Northern Pigeon Lake Ratepayers Association Inc., Ian Furlong – July 3, 2007

Ontario Marine Operators Association – June 20, 2007

Ontario Water Power Association – June 20, 2007

Written submissions (click to expand)

Department of Fisheries and Oceans – October 30, 2007

Gordon Fraser – October 20, 2007

Linda Robitaille and Craig Smith – October 16, 2007

Coalition for Equitable Water Flows – October 15, 2007

Kenton M. Stewart – Oct. 13, 2007

Trent Valley Archives – October 6, 2007

Charles Miller – October 5, 2007

Township of Georgian Bay – October 5, 2007

Jim Dalgleish – October 1, 2007

Michael LeBlanc – September 30, 2007

Matt McDonald – September 30, 2007

David Barber – September 30, 2007

Mary Whitsitt – September 30, 2007

Ron and Cindee Breckbill – September 30, 2007

Marina McLennan – September 30, 2007

Fred and Ethel Clark – September 30, 2007

Vicki McCulloch, Joan McCulloch, Janis Darrah – September 30, 2007

Kevin Walters – September 30, 2007

Nenad Jeremic – September 30, 2007