Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark is calling for support for tourism operators along the Rideau Canal.
Clark says in a media release that the business owners have been dealt a financial blow by the continued restriction on full navigation at the Lasalle Causeway in Kingston.
He tabled the petition at Queen’s Park this week, calling on the federal government to restore full navigation to the Rideau Canal by installing a structure to enable all marine traffic to pass through the Lasalle Causeway in time for the 2026 boating season.
Next year marks 200 years since the start of construction on the canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The release adds that the federal government installed a temporary fixed bridge that restricted marine traffic through the Lasalle Causeway for this year’s boating season and will continue to do so for an indefinite period.
It adds the resulting limitations impacted marinas, shops, restaurants, tourism operators, and seasonal employment along the 202-kilometre historic waterway.
Clark has launched a petition in support of the business owners.
