Battle of Beaverdams Park

Battle of Beaverdams Park. . , The History of Lock 25 , Lock 25, located in the Battle of Beaverdams Park in downtown Thorold, is one of the 27 stone locks of the 2nd Welland Canal, which were constructed between 1841 and 1845 to replace the 40 inferior wooden locks of the 1st canal. Its role, of historic significance not only for Niagara Region but the entire Great Lakes waterway system, was facilitating marine travel between Lakes Ontario and Erie. , After having been filled in during the late 1950s and 60s, like all the 2nd Canal locks which flowed through downtown Thorold, Lock 25 was partially excavated in 1976 when the Battle of Beaverdams Park was opened. , Along with 16 other locks of the 2nd Welland Canal, Lock 25 was constructed from limestone quarried locally, at what is now Walker's Quarry. , The lock's important contextual value lies in its association with Thorold's 2nd Canal lands which were completely buried in the mid-20th century. Evidence of the presence of this waterway is found in the swale-like topography of central Thorold. The lock is also located within a 500-meter radius of numerous designated and non-designated heritage properties, sites, and memorials. , Lock 25 is part of the built heritage and cultural landscape of downtown Thorold, as a reminder of the various Welland Canals' impact on the historic character of the community. It demonstrates how industrial heritage can be revitalized and incorporated into the cultural heritage landscape. As such, it fulfills the goal of establishing a link to the past that can serve to support contemporary aspirations and ideals.