km 10

The construction of the canal spanned seven years (1892-1899). At its peak, nearly 1,200 laborers were involved, assisted by numerous horses and cutting-edge steam-powered machinery.

In addition to the many local workers, several laborers were newly arrived immigrants seeking a better future. Of Italian, Irish, Belgian, and even Finnish origins, these men formed a vital workforce for the completion of the Soulanges Canal.

Despite the use of advanced machinery and tools—such as steam shovels, steam derricks, crushers, locomotives, and dynamite—most of the work was done manually, with picks and shovels. Many horses were also put to use in the construction efforts.