1812 – Part 15: Aftermath — Building the Rideau Canal

Although the War of 1812 is over there is still concern that the Americans might invade again and the British remain vulnerable to attack at the narrow stretch of the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Kingston. They needed a safe supply route to move troops and supplies into the Great Lakes and the solution was to build a canal in the interior. Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers is chosen to handle the project and links the natural waterways between Kingston, Ottawa and Montreal. The building of the 47 locks proves to be an incredible feat of engineering and the Rideau Canal is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some unexpected benefits.