Copeland Cut (Wiley-Donero Canal)

Relatively familiar with the section of St. Lawrence River between the Eisenhower and Iroquois Locks, yet had never heard of the "Copeland Cut" portion of the Seaway Channel.

The Wiley Dondero Canal
Bypassing the old system of locks and canals
between Farran's Point and Cornwall.

Not visible from the Canadian side, the "Copeland Cut" is located in the "Wiley Dondero Canal".

Saltwater vessel BBC OREGON
heading down the Wiley-Dondero Canal

This straight cut between "Cat Island Shoal" and Eisenhower Lock became the modern-day shipping channel in 1959 with the flooding of the Seaway.

The report mentions "Copeland Cut" as "avoid-meeting area".

Originally stumbled upon "Copeland Cut" while reading about the collision between two familiar vessels: CAPT. HENRY JACKMAN (1) and QUEBECOIS (December 17, 2008).

The actual incident between these two vessels occurred in the Beauharnois Canal in Quebec.

TSBC report: http://tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/marine/2008/m08c0081/m08c0081.html

"Crosscurrents in the Copeland Cut Reach of the Wiley-Dondero Canal make navigation difficult during periods of high flow with accompanying low water levels.

The problem area is located in Lake St. Lawrence approximately 3 miles west of Eisenhower Lock . "

https://hdl.handle.net/11681/10668

The area is also mentioned in the Government of Canada Sailing Guide from Montreal to Kingston.

"Currents, Wiley-Dondero Canal – Crosscurrents with velocities to 2 knots have been reported in the WileyDondero Canal. These currents set NE along the lower end of the Long Sault Islands and ESE at the upper end of the islands."
https://www.charts.gc.ca/documents/publications/download/SD/CEN301Eng.pdf

Cornwall Canal...

Looking west towards the Moses-Saunders Power Dam.

Although it's been there for decades, I have never actually taken the opportunity to explore this neat little part of local history in Cornwall, Ontario.

Frigid and cold, but with almost no wind, it was a perfect day for me to walk around the grounds and take in the view.

Beautiful calm blue water at the old canal in Cornwall, Ontario.

Pair of "mighty" Mallard Ducks swimming in the canal...

Most people would say that the water must be "freezing". Obviously that's not true, otherwise it would be solid ice.

Looking east towards the City of Cornwall.

Can't get enough of that calm blue water!

These hardy conifers are growing right out of the stone walls.

Part of the old weir dam, similar to what can be found in Cardinal, Ontario...

However this section Canal in Cornwall is full of Eastern White Cedar trees.

Water Owl...

While I tend to be most interested in locations accessed by boat, the old Galop Canal in Cardinal is one of my favorite places to visit on dry land.

Truly a enchanting plance, there weren't many souls to be found at Lock 27 despite the fact that it was double digit temperatures in mid-November.

The original canal opened in 1846, and was in operation until the completion of the Seaway in 1959.








Looking up the old canal about an hour before the sunset.
















Always amazed at how crystal clear the water always seems to be here... Can see right to the bottom.


















The calmness here is surreal... Like something from a painting.























The water is calm and still but ever flowing, as the rounded corners of the wall spin off perfect little whirlpools.





















With the active Seaway channel in the background, Looking at the configuration of the old locks, part of the canal seemed to lead nowhere... I found an explanation here:

"I learned that this was the site of both Lock 27 and Lock 28. Lock 28 is now filled in with earth." -https://ottawadivers.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/weehawk-lock-27-drift/

The page also has a couple of overhead shots, from before and after the Seaway was floodded.

With the modern-day Seaway channel visible in the background, looking over Lock 27 - to the possible location of where Lock 28 was filled in? I'll have to check it out next time, but even the grass seems to have a different color/texture.





Bollards from the old lock still line either side of the canal.

The greenish tint suggests that they're made of copper?
I bet they're nearly as solid today as they were 100 years ago.
















Surprise of the day... A Snowy Owl resting on the side bank of the old canal. I always thought these guys didn't show up here until the weather up north gets really brutal...
















The unexpected owl sighting was enough of a distraction for the ALGOMA SAULT to quietly sneak up the river and almost past me.

I had to follow the ship all the way up to The CONESTOGA to get a decent snapshot. Cardinal's famous sunken ship can be seen sticking out of the water.

Even managed to capture a pair of Mallard Ducks in the shot.

It's just the second time I've seen the SAULT this year. She passes by a few times a month, I just haven't been there. Just so happens that the last time I was up this way, she was upbound on this very same stretch of river.