Welland & St Catherines

### **Category: Welland & St. Catharines Area, Ontario** #### **Overview** The **Welland and St. Catharines area** is a **major shipping, industrial, and historical region** located along the **Niagara Peninsula in Ontario**. It is best known for the **Welland Canal**, which allows ships to bypass **Niagara Falls**, connecting **Lake Erie to Lake Ontario** and forming a crucial part of the **St. Lawrence Seaway System**. With a **rich maritime history, shipwreck sites, and industrial development**, the region remains a key hub for **Great Lakes trade, transportation, and tourism**. #### **Geography & Location** - **Welland & St. Catharines** are located in **southern Ontario**, between **Lake Ontario and Lake Erie**. - The **Welland Canal** runs **south to north**, bypassing **Niagara Falls** to connect **Port Colborne (Lake Erie) to Port Weller (Lake Ontario)**. - The region includes **key waterways**, such as the **Niagara River, Twelve Mile Creek, and the historic Welland River**. - **Proximity to major cities**: Close to **Niagara Falls, Buffalo (NY), and Toronto**, making it a **key transportation corridor**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Early Trade & Settlement** (1700s-1800s): - The **Niagara Peninsula** was a vital **fur trade and agricultural region**, using the **Niagara River and Lake Ontario for transportation**. - Early settlements relied on **portaging around Niagara Falls** until the first **Welland Canal (1829)** was built. - **Welland Canal Development (1829-Present)**: - The **first Welland Canal** was constructed in **1829** to allow ships to bypass **Niagara Falls**. - Successive versions of the canal (expanded in **1845, 1887, and 1932**) increased its **size and capacity**. - Today’s **modern Welland Canal (1932-Present)** is part of the **St. Lawrence Seaway System**, allowing **large freighters ("lakers") and ocean-going vessels ("salties")** to pass through. - **St. Catharines Shipbuilding & Industry**: - **Port Weller Dry Docks** (established in the early 20th century) were a key **shipbuilding and repair facility for Great Lakes vessels**. - The city has played a major role in **maritime trade, steel production, and industrial development**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** Though the Welland and St. Catharines area is **highly developed for shipping**, there are still **several notable shipwrecks** in the surrounding waters, including: - **The Raleigh (1818)** – A schooner lost in **Twelve Mile Creek** during a storm. - **The James Norris (1940s)** – A former cargo vessel that was deliberately scuttled near Port Weller. - **Lost Ships of the Old Welland Canal** – Several vessels from the **19th century were abandoned or wrecked** during canal expansions. - **Lake Ontario Wrecks**: - **The Hamilton & Scourge (1813)** – Two War of 1812 gunboats lost in deep water near **Burlington**. - **The Dalhousie City (1889)** – A steamer that sank in Lake Ontario near **St. Catharines**. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Welland Canal Centre & Lock 3 Viewing Complex** – A **prime spot for watching massive freighters pass through the locks**. - **St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre** – Showcases the **history of the Welland Canal and shipbuilding**. - **Port Weller Marina & Beaches** – Offers **boating, fishing, and waterfront views** of Lake Ontario. - **Twelve Mile Creek & Decew Falls** – A historic area featuring **ruins of old mills and scenic waterfalls**. - **Welland Recreational Waterway** – A former canal route now used for **kayaking, rowing, and canoeing**. - **Niagara Wine Region** – St. Catharines is part of Ontario’s **wine country**, with numerous **vineyards and wineries nearby**. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Heavy Shipping Traffic**: The **Welland Canal is one of the busiest waterways in North America**, requiring **strict navigation controls**. - **Changing Water Levels & Canal Maintenance**: Water management is **crucial for both shipping and flood prevention**. - **Weather & Ice Conditions**: The canal is **closed in winter (late December to late March)**, impacting shipping schedules. - **Environmental Impact**: Industrial activity has required **waterway restoration and pollution control efforts**. ### **Why It Matters** The **Welland & St. Catharines area** is a **critical link in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System**, allowing **massive freighters to travel inland from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes**. With a **rich maritime and shipbuilding history, strategic trade importance, and evolving industrial landscape**, this region remains a **key center for shipping, navigation, and historical exploration** in Ontario.