St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Mountain Locks

Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 11, 2025

1. The Mountain Locks Marker

Inscription. This is the site of Locks 16-21 of the Second Welland Canal. These interlocking cut stone blocks were built in the vicinity of wooden Locks 22-30 from the First Welland Canal. This tightly grouped series of locks overcame the 85 foot height of the escarpment. The section of this canal between Thorold and Port Dalhousie remained in operation after the opening of the Third Canal in 1887 in order to service the local mills who used its water as a source of power and as a transportation facility.
Much of this park was underdrained in 1961 leaving only the stone locks as reminder of a once great navigation route.

Erected in co-operation with the United Auto Workers Local 676 and the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, 1978

Erected 1978 by United Auto Workers Local 676 and the Ministry of Culture and Recreation (Ontario).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, and the The Welland Canals series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 43° 8.076′ N, 79° 12.969′ W.

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Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is on Mountain Street. This blue plaque is mounted low on a tall triangular rock, partly concealed in a flower bed 10 metres east of Mountain Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 Mountain Street, St Catharines ON L2T 4E3, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Merritton Bill Wiley Memorial Parkette (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); The 2nd Welland Canal Locks 14 and 15 (about 180 meters away); Johansson's Bar (about 210 meters away); Jacob Ball U.E.L. circa 1824 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Lock 24 - First Welland Canal (approx. 0.6

The Mountain Locks - Marker in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 11, 2025

2. The Mountain Locks - Marker in context

Mountain Street is on the left. The taller triangle rock (partially hidden by flowers) has this blue plaque. (The left-adjacent shorter triangle rock has a different blue plaque.)

kilometers away); Merritton Town Hall 1879 (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Merritton Volunteer Fire Department (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Merritt Street at CNR Crossing (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Catharines.

More about this marker. The marker appears to have been previously mounted on a post, and, from the inscription, close to or within a 2nd canal lock.

Regarding The Mountain Locks. Within the wooded area east of this marker, the park has multiple marked walking trails which lead through 2 or 3 stone locks.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on September 10, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.