The Ottawa River Navigation Company was a transportation company that operated steamboats on the Ottawa River during the period from 1864 to 1893. The company played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation in the Ottawa Valley, particularly during the development of the lumber industry in the region.
During this time, the Ottawa River was faced with logistical challenges due to the numerous chutes and rapids that steamboats encountered along the river. To address this issue, a series of canals were constructed, originally for military purposes, to enable a more reliable and efficient transportation system. These canals allowed steamboats to navigate certain sections of the river, although some rapids, like the Chaudiere Falls, remained obstacles to navigation.
The Ottawa River Navigation Company’s steamboats served various purposes, including transporting goods, people, and mail. The company’s fleet included passenger vessels such as the Empress and Sovereign, as well as market boats that carried produce and goods between Montreal and Ottawa. The steamboats facilitated a triangular trade route linking Montreal, Bytown (later known as Ottawa), and Kingston. Barges were towed by steamers via the Ottawa and Rideau canals to Kingston, carrying immigrants, merchandise, and staples.
The company’s role in transporting sawn lumber downstream on barges or rafts to New York was especially significant. The lumber was transported via the Ottawa military canals, the Richelieu River canals, and the Lake Champlain-Hudson River system for the American market.
The Ottawa River Navigation Company’s steamboats provided regular mail, passenger, and ferry services along the river. They also played a vital role in connecting isolated areas along the river with mail and news delivery.
The company’s officers included President Mr. R. W. Shepherd, Vice-President Mr. J. Gibb, and Secretary and Manager Mr. R. W. Shepherd, Jr.
As of 1893, the company’s fleet included the EMPRESS, SOVEREIGN, MAUDE, PRINCE OF WALES, and PRINCESS. The EMPRESS, an iron side wheel vessel, was considered one of the fastest river steamers and could accommodate nearly 800 passengers. The SOVEREIGN, made of steel throughout, accommodated over 700 passengers and was commanded by Captain William Shepherd, who had extensive experience navigating the Ottawa River.
Overall, the Ottawa River Navigation Company’s steamboats played a vital role in the economic development and transportation of goods and people in the Ottawa Valley during the late 19th century.
