Thorold in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Construction of the Welland Canals
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La Construction des Canaux Welland
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 7, 2024
1. Construction of the Welland Canals/ La Construction des Canaux Welland Marker
The Welland Canals have long provided an important navigation link between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, which helped foster the growth of trade, industry, and cities around the Great Lakes. Between 1824 and 1932, four successively larger canals were built along different routes using the latest technologies. The construction of the Fourth Canal (the Welland Ship Canal) was recognized at the time as one of Canada's major civil engineering projects. Thousands of labourers toiled in difficult and dangerous conditions to build these canals, initially without the aid of health and safety regulations, and an unknown number died.
Ces canaux permettent un lien de navigation important entre les lacs Ontario et Érié, favorisant l'essor du commerce, de l'industrie et du développement urbain aux abords des Grands Lacs. De 1824 à 1932, quatre canaux de dimensions de plus en plus larges sont construits suivant divers tracés et d'après les dernières technologies. Lá construction du quatrième canal (le canal maritime Welland) fut alors considérée comme un des grands ouvrages du génie civil canadien. Des milliers d'ouvirers y travaillent dans des conditions ardues et dangereuses, initialement sans règles de santé et de sécurité, et nombre d'entre eux y perdent la vie.
Erected by Historic
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board, and the The Welland Canals series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.
Location. 43° 7.315′ N, 79° 11.704′ W. Marker is in Thorold, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is on Chapel Street South near Service Road West, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Chapel St S, Thorold ON L2V 2C6, 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, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and 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: The Ontario Paper Company Ltd. (within
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 7, 2024
2. Construction of the Welland Canals/ La Construction des Canaux Welland Marker
Regarding Construction of the Welland Canals / La Construction des Canaux Welland. At least 138 workers died during the construction of the 4th (current) Welland canal.
Also see . . . The Evolution of the Welland Canal (The Canadian Encyclopedia).
The early settlement of Canada, without roads or trails, depended on rivers and lakes as convenient and efficient means of travel. However, the St. Lawrence and Niagara Falls presented formidable obstacles to travel from the east coast by water to the interior. Before the construction of the Welland Canal, the only route between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie was the laborious and hazardous portage from Queenston to the(Submitted on November 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)Chippawa Creek. The canal opened a lifeline of trade and commerce to inland North America. Communities along its length owe their urban form and industrial development to the canal.
3. Construction of the 4th Welland Canal, 1924Source: St. Catharines Museum (public domain)
4. Route of the First Welland Canal, 1828
Source: Brock University (public domain)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on September 14, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
