Like a canary in a coal mine, Jones Falls serves warning for the entire Rideau Canal about the lack of attention being paid to heritage. At Jones Falls we see many examples, both in the physical structures and the interpretation of the site. The canary isn't dead yet - but it's on life support.

Jones Falls should be the shining light in the heritage presentation of the Rideau Canal. It is a relatively undisturbed site, the landscape much as it was when the locks first opened in 1832. It has some of the most spectacular examples of canal engineering, including the Great Stone Arch Dam. But many of the heritage features of the site are not being interpreted, physical structures are falling apart, repairs are not being done with heritage values in mind, the site is overgrown which obscures heritage details, and there is no heritage presentation plan for the site.

The photos below illustrate some of the problems - most were taken in late June, 2012. Mouse over each photo for a description and click on the photo to see a larger version.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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