Rob Attridge is one of many trying to get out and enjoy his boat before the Trent Severn locks close down for winter.
“We just came to Orillia last night about 8 o'clock to come here to Washago just for one last night. And they will lift the boat out of the water tomorrow and that will be the end.”
Parks Canada extended the Waterway’s hours in order to give boaters more time
Manager of Operations Chad Buchner says boaters were scarce in July and August due to cool weather.
But early heat boosted traffic.
“We had a strong month in May and June … by the end of June our traffic was up by twenty percent,” he said. “July and August tailed off a little bit and September was pretty much on par. As of September 30th we locked through more than 96,000 boats, so a pretty good season.”
Boater Rick Crook is sad to see the season end.
"We are on our way home to put the boat away for the year. We set out on Saturday went up to Swift Rapids and spent Saturday and Sunday up there, and then headed back today.”
The locks are open yearly from Victoria Day to the end of Thanksgiving weekend.
Parks Canada will now focus on monitoring and adjusting lake levels for the winter months.
