Internal controls, labour processes and work at the Isthmus Lockstation, Rideau Canal, 1832–1854: Discipline and governmentality at a distance

The emergence of an internal control system to guide operations along the Rideau Canal beginning in 1832 is examined through analysis of a book of directives (the Order Book) maintained by the lockmaster at the Isthmus lockstation. The Orders guided the work of the lockmaster and established general controls and control activities. Orders for adequate documents and records, physical control over assets and records, and proper authorization of activities were common. Orders are seen as efforts by British Royal Engineers, who were geographically removed from the oversight of the Rideau Canal Office, to discipline civilian lockmasters and to encourage lockmasters to govern themselves. Comparing the Order Book to Orders and Regulations in place in 1831 for the Royal Engineers also highlights similarities between expectations of Royal Engineers and those established for the civilian workforce under their direction, indicating a transfer of accounting technologies from the Royal Engineers to the civilian workforce.

Historical, contemporary, and future perspectives on a coupled social-ecological system in a changing world: Canada’s historic Rideau Canal

Anthropogenic waterways and canal systems have been part of the cultural and natural landscape for thousands for years. As of the late 20th century, more than 63,000-km of canals exist worldwide as transport routes for navigation, many with barriers (e.g., locks, dams) that fragment the system and decrease connectivity. Fragmentation alone can have negative implications for freshwater biodiversity; by isolating populations and communities, other human-mediated disturbances associated with canals like poor water quality and invasive species can exacerbate these negative effects. As such, the capacity of these interconnected freshwater systems to support biodiversity is continuously degrading at a global level. One critical, highly complex issue that unites canals worldwide is the challenge of governing these systems in a holistic, unified way to both protect biodiversity and preserve historical elements. Managing historic canals involves multiple objectives across many agencies and stakeholders, often with different or conflicting objectives. Here, we use the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site of Canada, as a case study to demonstrate the importance of considering canals as social-ecological systems for effective and efficient governance. Historic canals are integrated systems of both humans (social) and the environment (ecological), linked by mutual feedbacks and coevolution, and must be managed as such to achieve conservation goals while maintaining commemorative integrity. We discuss the history of the Rideau Canal and its current governance, biodiversity in the waterway, different threats and issues (user conflicts, aquatic pollution, shoreline development, water management, species at risk, and invasive species), and conclude by outlining ways to address the challenges of managing it as a coupled social-ecological system. We present different research needs and opportunities that would enable better management, though above all, we propose a shift from the current governance structure – which at best can be considered “patchwork” – to a coordinated, multi-scalar and multi-stakeholder governance regime such that the Rideau Canal can be maintained for its historical integrity without compromising biodiversity conservation. Given that canals are now pervasive worldwide, this article is not only topical to the Rideau Canal, but also to other waterways in Canada and beyond.

11. Exploring Various Factors and Sources in Relation to Environmental Contaminants in the Rideau Canal System

The Rideau Canal has served several purposes since its establishment in 1832. Acting as a channel connecting Ottawa and Kingston, it was often used for the transport of commercial goods and lumber. Over time, its uses expanded to include recreational purposes such as: sport fishing, boating, cottaging, and tourism. This increased development and use has caused the Rideau Canal and its watersheds to become vulnerable to metal contamination. Studies within Dr. Linda Campbell’s Lab at Queen’s University have shown that cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu), are in concentrations that have reached or exceeded the level of potential concern for both aquatic and human health. This study explores the potential sources as well as both natural and human factors which could be related to the influx in metal contaminants within the system. A literature review of both historical and recent documents was completed and supplemented with personal interviews with professionals and community members. Based on these investigations, the primary sources being reviewed are: atmospheric deposition, natural geological processes, and anthropogenic factors relating to residential development. While research is still ongoing preliminary analysis suggests that these are the primary sources of contamination within the area.