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The Soulanges Canal (1899-1958)

The 'Petit Pouvoir' Hydroelectric Power Plant

The most remarkable innovation of the canal is its electrification. The hydroelectric power generated by the small power plant in Les Cèdres provides enough energy to illuminate the entire route with streetlights and to operate the motors of movable structures such as locks and swing bridges.

The hydroelectric power plant, south side, facing the St. Lawrence River, October 1903
Source: © Library and Archives Canada
A Pioneering Technological AchievementA Pioneering Technological Achievement
A Heritage GemA Heritage Gem

Territorial Acknowledgment

The Soulanges Canal Regional Park acknowledges that it is located on unceded traditional territory of the Anishinabeg (Algonquin), Kanien'keha:ka (Mohawk), and Métis nations. This land has long been a place of exchange and meeting between peoples.

This project was carried out as part of the cultural development agreement (2024) between the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCC) and the MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges (MRCVS). It is also made possible through the support of the MRCVS and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH) under the 'Signature Innovation' component of the Regions and Rurality Fund.