160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario ~ Holland Lock and Newmarket Canal

"Due to a lack of political foresight, the Newmarket Canal, constructed in the early 1900s, has more than 100 years later, transformed into a nature trail with clearly visible monuments of a failed government venture.

Walk or bike on the Nokiidaa Trail as it parallels the Holland River. Stop at the abandoned canal locks and imagine what it would look like today to have boaters enter Newmarket from the Trent Severn Waterway. The 16 km long canal route was intended to link Newmarket to the Trent Severn Canal by way of the East Holland River and Lake Simcoe.

Construction of the canal finally began in earnest in 1908 after much stalling and debate from political influencers of the day. The Trent Severn Canal was nearing completion and had already been rendered of little use for commercial transport. The railway system had gained greater reach by continually building out supporting infrastructure and improving reliability for the movement of goods and people.

Before and during construction, survey after survey indicated practical use of the canal would be unsustainable. There would not be enough water to fill the canal for a full season of operation because water feeding into the head of the Holland River would be in short supply. There was doubt sufficient business existed to justify the cost of a dead-end canal. An established train line already ran parallel to the Holland River since the mid 1800’s. Regardless, proponents of the project lead by the dominant Liberal member William Mulock pressed forward with immense support from Liberal party leader Wilfrid Laurier. Locals and media commonly referred to the patronage venture as Mulock’s Madness.

Nonetheless despite the folly, many in Newmarket and vicinity benefitted by way of employment and support for local businesses as the result of William Mulock’s strong willed commitment to the construction of the canal.

The election of the Conservative government lead by Robert Borden in 1911 brought an end to the near 85% complete Newmarket Canal."

[https://daytripinanhour.com/2020/05/23/newmarket-ghost-canal/]