LOCK MASTER: RON CATCHER
This lock system in the village makes it possible to navigate our scenic waterways from Ahmic Harbour to Burk’s Falls.
The Locks in Magnetawan were officially opened July 8, 1886. The hand operated lock measured 112’ X 28’ with a lift of 10 feet, opening up 40 miles of water travel between Burk’s Falls and Ahmic Harbour.
This structure was replaced in 1910 or 1911 with cement locks and dams that served the steamboats and, in later years many pleasure boats. The locks system was completely restored in 1998. It is one of the last remaining hand operated lock systems left in Ontario. They were and still are a great tourist attraction in the area.
At the lock site, a powerhouse was built in 1925 to provide power to the Village of Magnetawan. The powerhouse was in operation until the 1950’s. It eventually became the Magnetawan Museum, a home for the various historical artifacts and anecdotes collected from Magnetawan and the surrounding area.
