St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation is overseeing this important maintenance project, supported by a local engineering firm.

Work will commence in November 2025.

Work begins this fall, in St. Catharines, guided by engineering assessments and a coordinated timeline to minimize disruption.

The maintenance will occur along specific sections of the Welland Canal, with initial work beginning this fall in St. Catharines. Regional tree planting efforts will take place throughout Niagara in suitable locations. Trees will also be planted at the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation’s Glendale building property.

This project is a proactive measure to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the Welland Canal. Over time, tree roots can cause seepage, cavities, and erosion in engineered banks, which affects the integrity of these critical water-retaining structures. This maintenance work follows North American dam safety standards and applicable Ontario regulations.

The work was first identified as necessary in 2016, and since then has undergone a careful regulatory engineering process, including environmental reviews, Transport Canada coordination, contractor selection, and timing considerations for canal operations.

Removing these trees is required for the canal's long-term stability and safety. Over time, tree roots cause seepage, cavities, and erosion in engineered banks, which affects the integrity of these critical water-retaining structures. This is responsible, proactive infrastructure care.

Cleared areas will be reseeded with native grasses, and over 10,000 square meters of new pollinator habitat will be established along the canal. While safety rules prevent replanting trees directly on the banks, we are collaborating with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority for broader regional planting efforts in suitable locations.

The project aims to restore cleared areas with native grasses and create over 10,000 square meters of pollinator-friendly habitat, which will support local ecosystems. While some initial disruption may occur during tree and brush removal, the long-term goal is to enhance ecological value in these areas, while maintaining public safety.

The project follows to established North American dam safety standards and applicable Ontario regulations, to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the Welland Canal's water-retaining banks.

The project is carefully phased and guided by engineering assessments and a coordinated timeline to minimize disruption to local communities and canal operations.

The project is carefully phased, over a longer term, with work on the Welland Canal beginning this fall. Specific timelines for each phase will be coordinated to ensure efficient completion of the necessary maintenance.

Residents can contact the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation at [email protected] for more information.