Beauharnois Navigation Company

The Beauharnois Navigation Company was established in the late 19th century to enhance maritime transport along the St. Lawrence River, particularly through the Beauharnois region in Quebec. On May 25, 1875, the company received approval to incorporate, as recommended by the Acting Minister of Justice, H. Shackell, and others.  

In the same year, the Lake St. Francis Navigation Company was granted permission to erect a freight shed on Basin No. 1 of the Lachine Canal and on the Beauharnois Canal at Valleyfield.  

These developments were part of broader efforts to improve navigation and trade routes along the St. Lawrence River. The construction of canals and related infrastructure facilitated the movement of goods and contributed to the economic growth of the region. Over time, these early navigation companies and their infrastructures laid the groundwork for more extensive projects, such as the Beauharnois Hydroelectric Power Station and the St. Lawrence Seaway, which continue to play vital roles in the area’s industrial and maritime activities.

Vessels associated with

• Aurora was a wooden sidewheel steamboat designed primarily for tug operations. With its modest size and robust design, it assisted larger vessels, enabling navigation in rivers and canals where conditions were challenging. The sidewheel propulsion system, a hallmark of 19th-century steam vessels, made it particularly adept at maneuverability and towing.