Forgotten "Ghost Canal" of Newmarket Ontario!

Introduction

This tutorial explores the fascinating history of the "Ghost Canal" in Newmarket, Ontario. Built during a time when canals were being replaced by railways, this canal was never used and ultimately became a symbol of poor planning and wasted resources. This guide will provide insights into the canal's history, construction, and the remnants that remain today.

Step 1: Understanding the Historical Context

• In the 1700s, trappers and traders transported goods from Northern Ontario to Lake Simcoe and then to Newmarket.
• Goods were paddled via canoe to the Holland River, where traders would walk 45 kilometers to Toronto to sell their products.
• The town of Newmarket was established when two traders set up a trading post, allowing locals to sell goods without traveling to Toronto.

Step 2: The Idea of the Canal

• Throughout the 1800s, there was interest in building a lock system on the East Holland River to facilitate shipping to Newmarket.
• Key reasons against the canal included insufficient water flow in the river.
• In 1904, MP William Mullock pushed the canal project forward, primarily for employment purposes, leading to its nickname "Mullock's Madness."

Step 3: Construction of the Canal

• Construction commenced in 1907 after extensive planning in 1906.
• The canal featured a three-lock and dam system:
  • Lock 1: Located closest to Lake Simcoe.
  • Lock 2: Positioned further upstream.
  • Lock 3: Slightly north of Newmarket; this area has since been converted into a park.
• Ultimately, the project was 80% complete but never saw any boats due to a lack of water.

Step 4: Visiting the Canal Remnants

• The remnants of the canal can be found along the trail that follows the Holland River.
• Notable sites include:
  • The Turning Basin: Once the end point for boats, now filled in.
  • Lock 3: Contains a spillway that still flows water.
  • Swing Bridge: Used until 2002, now a pedestrian bridge with remnants of its hand-crank mechanism.

Step 5: Insights on the Project's Failure

• The canal was intended to connect Lake Simcoe to the Trent-Severn Waterway but was never operational.
• The project was abandoned in 1912 due to financial issues and the realization that sufficient water could not be sourced.
• The rise of railroads during this period rendered the canal obsolete before it could be utilized.

Conclusion

The Newmarket Ghost Canal serves as a reminder of ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful infrastructure projects. While it never fulfilled its intended purpose, the remnants of the canal and its history provide a unique glimpse into the past. If you're interested in exploring local history or planning a visit, the trail along the Holland River offers a scenic way to learn about this fascinating chapter in Newmarket's development.