Prime Minister Stephen Harper commemorates 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today commemorated the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal at the 40th annual opening festivities of the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum.

To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Harper unveiled a new exhibit at the Blockhouse Museum.  Created through a $95,000 contribution from Canada’s New Government, as part of the overall Rideau 175 program to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal, the exhibit illustrates the military links between Lieutenant Colonel John By’s Rideau Canal and the early years of settlement in Merrickville.

“The Rideau Canal was an epic infrastructure project, as big and bold as the young country that built it,” said the Prime Minister.  “It stands as a testament to the resourcefulness and determination of our people.” 

Designated as a national historic site of Canada in 1939, the Merrickville Blockhouse was built in 1832 as part of a chain of four Blockhouses for the defence of the Rideau Canal.  The building is directly adjacent to the Merrickville locks of the Rideau Canal, in what is today known as Blockhouse Park. The village of Merrickville-Wolford and Merrickville and District Historical Society, operate and maintain the Blockhouse Museum and Archives and help bring the site of Merrickville locks to life, telling the story of the Town’s early years through guided tours, museum displays and special events.

“Thanks to events and facilities such as these, Canadians and our guests from other countries have opportunities to learn about the rich history of this region and its contributions to the development of our great country,” the Prime Minister concluded. The Merrickville Blockhouse Museum is working in partnership with Parks Canada throughout 2007 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal.