Burlington Canal

The Port of Hamilton occupies the extreme Western end or head of Lake Ontario; it is separated from the Lake by a long low ridge of sand and gravel, resembling the Peninsula opposite Toronto. This ridge stretches across from the northern to the Southern Shore in a S. S. E. direction, converting that portion which is to the west into a large bay, called Burlington Bay, the entrance to which is by means of a Canal upwards of half a mile long, with an average width of 200 feet.

.Unlike most canals, or piers entering a harbour, the width is not uniform, the entrance from the Lake being its widest part, that into Burlington Bay its narrowest; the former is 225 feet wide, the latter 130 ; while at the ferry (or about its centre) it is 150 feet across. During the year 1856 several alterations and repairs have been made. Additional crib-work has been added to the eastern or Lake extremity of the South Pier, 300 feet in length, and considerably higher than the old work. Instead of following the old line, or N. E. 1/2 E., the new part runs a more northerly course, or nearly N. E. by N., which has had the effect of making the entrance still more difficult than it was before, particularly when the wind is strong from the east or South.

I have heard from persons residing on the spot, that it is next to impossible for sailing vessels to enter this canal during a gale from the E. or S. E. without coming in contact with the end of the north pier, whereby the weaker of the two is likely to be seriously damaged; to obviate this catastrophe, however, several oak piles have been driven into the bottom, which serve the purpose of a fender, and materially lessen the concussion that would otherwise take place.

The same wise arrangement has been made at the opening into the bay, except that the new work is added to the north pier, and the fenders to the south.

The old lighthouse which stood near the centre of the canal on the isthmus was destroyed by fire, and a new one has been erected on the east end of the south pier, with a stationary bright light, the old beacon light not being used.

The depth of water at the entrance from the Lake is variable, owing to a deposit taking place during an easterly or south-east blow ; it is, however, never less than eleven feet.

Burlington Bay is upwards of five miles long, and about three miles wide, with from twenty to forty feet of water, except near its edges. There is good holding ground immediately inside the canal.

COURSES AND DISTANCES.

From the Canal to Toronto, N. E. 35 miles.

" " Whitby, N. E. 1/4 E. 70 miles.

" " Niagara River, E. 1/2 S. 42 miles.

" " Port Dalhousie, E. 3/4 S. 32 miles.

Return to Home Port