The Canal was closed in 1970 and since 1997 the Federal and Municipal Governments have poured in millions of dollars in order to revitalize this famous landmark into a tourist infrastructure.
One of the most important elements of this revitalization will be the creation of a marina that will accommodate over 10, 000 boaters in its first season.
The canal has five locks and it is projected that all five will be in operation once the Canal opens in 2002.
Lachine is a suburb of Montreal located about nine miles from the heart of downtown and was originally a rest station and outpost for the fur trade.
During the Victorian era it was a country retreat where many a Montrealer either traveled to the town by horse and buggy or by the Grand Trunk Railway. They were able to escape noise and dust of Montreal.
Lachine is strategically located on Lac St. Louis and as a result of its location visitors were able to enjoy the unpolluted water of the Lake for swimming and fishing. However, unfortunately, this would be impossible today. Nevertheless today you can enjoy the pedestrian and bicycle paths running along the waterfront and I highly recommend a visit to Lachine.
It is quite interesting to note that during its early commercial years the town's waterfront was quite active in that many an America tourist would take the boats down the Lachine Rapids. This frightening leisure experience still exists today where it is possible to take a breathtaking ride through the only rapids on the St. Lawrence River.
The history of the city dates back to the mid 17th century when Montreal, which was then known as Ville Marie, was the focal center of the fur trade with France. The first buildings were constructed around 1667 after the arrival of Robert Cavelier de LaSalle . This French famous fur trader and explorer was granted land by the King of France just about where we find present day Lachine.
When LaSalle landed here he was determined to discover a route across North America to the riches of Asia. Eventually he abandoned this idea and the lands were transferred to the Sulpicians and the local settlers. The name Lachine seems to have found its birth in the ridicule LaSalle endured when his acquaintances and some of his friends call his properties La Chine (China).
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