VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The mission of the Shubenacadie Canal Commission is to preserve the historic features of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway and to provide access to the waterway for the education and the enjoyment of the public. In order to achieve its mission the Commission pursues the following objectives:

• To carry out stabilization, preservation and restoration work to the locks and associated features including the dams, head ponds and channels.

• To provide for the maximum practical use of the waterway by shallow draft watercraft.

• To provide for the interpretation of sites for visitors.

• To provide park-like settings for residents and tourists.

The Waterways and Locks Committee is a committee of the SCC tasked with operating, maintaining and development of the waterways and locks that make up the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway.  Many of these assets are over 200 years old and in need of rehabilitation.

The Waterways and Locks Committee is looking for permanent or temporary volunteers to join the committee to help assess the overall condition of the waterway assets.  This will build on condition assessment work carried out previously.

The locks consist of a variety of construction styles, including cut stone and random stone construction with substantial timber, mitre, and falling leaf gates.  The overall condition of the locks varies from good to poor, and several of the gates are in questionable condition.

We are looking for civil and mechanical engineers with some background in waterways, water resources, and especially timber gates to take part in this work.  Work would comprise site inspections, comparison with previous condition assessments, and discussion and proposals on rehabilitation work required.

The time commitment is open for discussion.  The Committee meets normally once a month in person, but for now this is being carried out by Zoom conference calls.

Contacts:

Paula Wheaton, Office Manager: info@shubenacadiecanal.ca

Barry Hurndall, Locks and Waterways Committee Chair: barryhurn2011@gmail.com