Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Old Dredge (specific name unknown)

•Location: Brass Point Bridge, Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

•Type: Dredge

•Hull Materials: Metal/Wood (varied based on construction period)

•Condition: Half-submerged, partially visible above water

Vessel Type Description

The Old Dredge at Brass Point Bridge represents the dredging vessels once critical to maintaining the navigability of the Rideau Canal. These machines were equipped with scoops or suction devices to remove sediment and debris from the canal bed, ensuring safe passage for boats. This Dredge likely dates from the 19th or early 20th century, serving as a workhorse to manage sedimentation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

The Rideau Canal, completed in 1832, has long required regular maintenance to keep its channels clear. Dredges like the one near Brass Point Bridge were indispensable for this purpose.

While specific details of this Dredge’s construction and service life are not documented, it is a relic of the period when mechanized dredging became standard for canal maintenance. Over time, as technology advanced, these vessels were phased out in favor of more modern equipment. The half-submerged state of the Old Dredge suggests it was Abandoned after becoming obsolete or sank due to structural failure or neglect.

Final Disposition

Today, the Old Dredge rests near Brass Point Bridge, partially visible above water. Its corroded and submerged sections provide a striking reminder of the canal’s industrial history and the tools used to maintain it. The Dredge has likely become part of the aquatic ecosystem, with its submerged Hull covered in silt and aquatic growth.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Navigational Warning: Boaters near Brass Point Bridge should exercise caution due to the potential hazard posed by submerged portions of the Dredge.

Resources & Links

•Rideau Canal Archives: Historical records on canal maintenance and dredging.

•Canadian Maritime Heritage: Context on dredging equipment and Canadian waterways maintenance.

Keywords

Old Dredge, Brass Point Bridge, Rideau Canal, 19th-century industrial archaeology, canal maintenance, submerged vessel, Ontario maritime history.

Conclusion

The Old Dredge near Brass Point Bridge is a testament to the engineering efforts that have kept the Rideau Canal functional for nearly 200 years. While now Abandoned and partially submerged, it symbolizes the vital work once performed to maintain this critical waterway. The Dredge serves as a unique piece of industrial archaeology, providing insights into historical methods for managing Canada’s inland waterways. It remains a point of interest for historians, boaters, and those appreciating the heritage of the Rideau Canal.