Swift Rapids Marine Railway facts for kids
| Waterway | Trent-Severn Waterway |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Maintained by | Parks Canada |
| Operation | Patent slip (1919-1964) chambered lock (1964-present) |
| First built | 1919 |
| Latest built | 1964 (railway patent slip replaced) |
| Length | 36.6 m |
| Width | 9.7 m |
| Fall | 47 m |
| Coordinates | 44°51′24″N 79°32′22″W / 44.8565861°N 79.5394955°W |
The Swift Rapids Marine Railway was a special kind of boat lift used on the Trent–Severn Waterway in Canada. It was built in 1919 and helped boats move up and down a big change in water level. This railway was later replaced by a large lock called the Giant Lock in 1964.
Swift Rapids is a small community located in Severn, Ontario. The marine railway and the lock helped boats travel through this area.
Contents
What is the Swift Rapids Marine Railway?
The Swift Rapids Marine Railway was a unique way to move boats. It was one of only two "patent slips" used on the Trent–Severn Waterway. A patent slip is like a railway for boats. Instead of floating through a lock, boats would be placed on a special cradle. This cradle would then be pulled along tracks, either up or down a slope.
How the Marine Railway Worked
The Swift Rapids Marine Railway was built next to a hydro dam. This dam was used to create electricity. The railway's job was to help boats get past the dam, where the water level changed a lot.
- Boats would enter a special cradle in the water.
- The cradle, with the boat on it, would be pulled out of the water.
- It would then travel along railway tracks.
- The tracks went up or down a steep slope.
- This moved the boat to the next water level.
Why a Railway for Boats?
The railway was a temporary solution when it was first built in 1919. It was designed by the Orillia Water Light and Power Commission. This company was in charge of the hydro dam. The railway helped boats move across a big 47-meter (about 154-foot) difference in water height.
From Railway to Giant Lock
The Swift Rapids Marine Railway was used for many years. It was operated by two people from Transport Canada. However, in 1964, it was replaced by a much larger structure.
The Giant Lock
The new structure was a "chambered lock," also known as the Giant Lock. A chambered lock is a more common way to move boats between different water levels.
- Boats enter a closed chamber.
- Water is either added to or removed from the chamber.
- This raises or lowers the boat to the new water level.
- The boat then exits the chamber.
The Giant Lock could handle more boats and was more efficient. It continues to help vessels travel the 47-meter difference in water level today.
Swift Rapids Community
The Swift Rapids area is a quiet community. Unlike the Big Chute Marine Railway, Swift Rapids was not a big tourist spot. Most people could only reach it by water. The Swift Rapids Road is mainly used by staff from Parks Canada and Orillia Power.
Life in Swift Rapids
In the past, houses were built in Swift Rapids for the power station staff. Today, most of these houses are not used. Only two are still lived in, by the lock master and the power station operator. The local school closed in 1960, and the general store and post office closed in 1985. This shows how the community has changed over time.
