IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

Name: Upper Stonecliffe Village Dive Site

Location: Holden Lake, Ottawa River, near Rolphton, Ontario, Canada

GPS Coordinates: Not specified; located within Holden Lake, between Rolphton and Mattawa

Depth: 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters)

Accessibility: Shore entry available at multiple points around Holden Lake

SITE OVERVIEW:

Description:

The Upper Stonecliffe Village dive site is a historical underwater location within Holden Lake, a reservoir formed in the 1950s due to hydroelectric dam construction at Rolphton. The flooding submerged several small communities, farms, and lumber depots along the Ottawa River corridor. While most structures were removed prior to inundation, the site preserves the foundations of homes, community buildings, and semi-permanent structures, offering a glimpse into the region’s history.

Lying under shallow water, the site is an accessible and educational destination for divers, showcasing remnants of a once-thriving community.

Historical Significance:

The hydroelectric project transformed the region, displacing communities and altering lives. Upper Stonecliffe stands as a poignant reminder of the region’s historical evolution, particularly the sacrifices made for progress. It serves as a submerged time capsule, offering an emotional and tangible connection to the past for divers and history enthusiasts alike.

UNDERWATER FEATURES:

•Foundations:

The most prominent features are the foundations of homes, farms, and public structures, preserved by the lake’s still waters.

•Artifacts:

Small, scattered items such as tools, bottles, and other remnants of daily life can still be found around the site.

•Vegetation:

Aquatic plants have grown around and over the structures, creating a picturesque underwater environment that contrasts with the starkness of the ruins.

Visibility & CONDITIONS:

•Visibility: Generally good due to shallow depths, though heavy rains or water flow can reduce clarity.

•Water Temperature: Varies seasonally, with cooler waters in spring and fall and warmer conditions in summer.

SAFETY AND HAZARDS:

•Submerged Structures: Divers should be cautious around sharp edges or areas where entanglement might occur.

•Currents: Minimal but present near the edges of the flooded area.

•Visibility Challenges: Reduced after heavy rain or during high water flow conditions.

ACCESSIBILITY:

•Shore Entry: Multiple entry points are available around Holden Lake, making the site convenient for shore diving. Divers should select an entry point closest to the submerged village for ease of access.

HISTORICAL AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE:

This site is not just a dive location but also a significant educational experience. It allows divers to connect with the past in an immersive way, exploring tangible links to a community that no longer exists. Resources such as historical accounts and photographs of the flooding and displaced communities are available online, enriching the dive experience.

For additional historical context, visit Virtual Museum Canada’s “The Swisha Project” for photographs and stories related to the region.

TAGS:

#HistoricalDiveSite

#SubmergedVillage

#HoldenLake

#OttawaRiverDiving

#UnderwaterArchaeology

#CanadianHistory

#ShoreDive

#VirtualMuseumCanada

CONCLUSION:

The Upper Stonecliffe Village dive site offers a unique blend of history and underwater exploration. Its shallow depth and accessible entry points make it an ideal destination for divers of all levels. As a submerged chapter of Canada’s past, the site provides a rare opportunity to reflect on the transformation of the Ottawa River region and the lives it impacted. Divers will find themselves captivated by the blend of nature and history at this poignant location.

For further insights and historical resources, explore the Virtual Museum Canada’s “The Swisha Project” at www.virtualmuseum.ca.

This dive site is a must-visit for anyone interested in Canada’s rich maritime and cultural history.