km 3

In front of his cabin, lockkeeper Donat Houle (on the left) chats with a friend who has come to greet him.

Near each of the five locks, there was a cabin for the lockkeeper responsible for operating the gates. In addition to overseeing the passage of boats through his lock, he ensured the proper functioning of the water intake valves and monitored the water flow.

Lockkeepers worked seven months a year and were laid off during the winter months. Since the canal operated 24 hours a day, work schedules were divided into 12-hour shifts, with one week during the day and the following week at night. The salary was $60 per month.

The lockkeeper cabins, now dismantled, served as inspiration for the small shelters and restrooms found along the current bike path.