The Rideau Canal Visitor Centre will remain closed, with its collection being transferred to secure storage
Parks Canada says no artifacts from the former Rideau Canal Visitor Centre in Smiths Falls have been sold, responding to questions from Hometown News after concerns about the collection were raised during a recent Smiths Falls council meeting.
Parks Canada confirmed on June 26 that loaned artifacts have been returned to their owners, while Parks Canada-owned collection items are being transferred to a climate-controlled collections storage facility in Gatineau, Que. It also confirmed there are no plans to reopen the visitor centre, which closed in 2020.
The inquiry followed comments by Coun. Chris McGuire during the June 22 committee of the whole meeting, where he asked local MP Scott Reid, who was there as a delegate, to look into what he believed was the liquidation of artifacts from the former visitor centre and the lack of any public announcement or explanation surrounding its closure.
Reid agreed to pursue the matter, telling council he would “take it under advisement” and seek additional information from Parks Canada when Parliament resumes in the fall.
In response to Hometown News, Haley Lang, public relations and communications officer for Parks Canada’s Ontario Waterways, said the decision not to reopen the Smiths Falls Visitor Centre was made in 2024 after a review of operational priorities and available resources.
“The decision reflects a shift in focus toward enhancing front-line visitor services throughout the Rideau Canal National Historic Site,” Lang said.
Lang said Parks Canada chose to direct resources toward visitor services where people experience the historic waterway.
“Parks Canada has chosen to focus resources on enhancing front-line service delivery at lock stations and throughout the Rideau Canal National Historic Site to better serve visitors where they experience the site,” Lang said.
She added that Parks Canada regularly reviews its services, programs and activities to ensure they remain sustainable and focused on priority areas.
“These adjustments allow our services and resources to be focused where they can create the greatest benefit for visitors, conservation, and site management,” Lang said. “Parks Canada’s commitment to high-quality service, conservation, and enabling memorable experiences remains unchanged.”
The visitor centre recorded 3,235 visitors in 2019. Previous annual attendance included 2,902 visitors in 2015, 2,838 in 2016, 2,339 in 2017 and 1,392 in 2018, although Parks Canada noted statistics for August and September 2018 were unavailable.
The centre featured exhibits and interpretive information about the history and significance of the Rideau Canal. While those exhibits are no longer available in Smiths Falls, Parks Canada said interpretation continues through lock stations, digital resources and special events such as Lock & Paddle, happening Aug. 15.
Asked whether the Town of Smiths Falls, tourism organizations or other community partners were consulted before the decision not to reopen the facility, Parks Canada said it reviewed its services, programs and activities between the initial pandemic closure in 2020 and the 2024 decision. Lang did not say whether any consultations took place before the decision was finalized.
Lang said Parks Canada “values its relationships with municipalities, tourism partners and community organizations and continues to work closely with them to promote and celebrate the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.”
Addressing the concerns raised at council, Lang said Parks Canada has not sold any artifacts or collection items from the former visitor centre.
“Cultural resources are managed in accordance with established policies and professional standards,” she said.
Some artifacts displayed at the visitor centre were on loan and have been returned to their owners. Parks Canada-owned collection items are being transferred to the agency’s climate-controlled collections storage facility in Gatineau, where curatorial staff will determine whether they remain in storage, are shared with other Parks Canada field units or are offered to museums elsewhere in Canada.
Lang said the agency is also exploring opportunities to incorporate select Parks Canada exhibits into self-guided visitor experiences at Merrickville, Jones Falls and Kingston Mills, “helping to ensure these stories continue to be shared with visitors throughout the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.”
Asked whether any exhibits or interpretive materials will remain publicly accessible in Smiths Falls, Lang’s response was brief.
“No, not at this time.”
The Woods Mill building at 34 Beckwith St. S. will continue to serve as the administrative headquarters for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.
“Any potential changes to the use of the building will be discussed with the Town of Smiths Falls and any other relevant stakeholders,” Lang said.
Parks Canada also confirmed it has no plans to establish a replacement visitor or interpretive centre in Smiths Falls.
Instead, Lang said Parks Canada will continue to share the history and heritage values of the Rideau Canal through lock stations, digital resources, special events and partnerships with communities and tourism organizations along the waterway.
“By focusing resources on front-line service delivery, Parks Canada aims to provide meaningful experiences for visitors throughout Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site,” she said.
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Why Gatineau and not an Ontario site????