GTA Chapter Tours St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation's Welland Canal Operations
On October 24, members of the PEMAC GTA Chapter had the unique opportunity to tour the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation’s (SLSMC) operations at the Welland Canal. This exclusive behind-the-scenes visit offered members an in-depth look at the innovative operations center and the canal's state-of-the-art locks.
The SLSMC manages the eight canal locks at Welland through a remote monitoring center that leverages automation, digital technologies, and highly skilled technicians. This advanced system enables ships to pass through the canal without requiring personnel on site to pilot them, resulting in significant operational efficiency. During the tour, members witnessed a live laker navigate through Welland Canal Lock 4, an impressive sight with the ship's massive scale underscoring the canal’s sophisticated design.
Concluding the tour, SLSMC representatives gave an informative presentation on their approach to risk management in asset management for the canal’s structures and equipment. This discussion highlighted the importance of diligent planning and monitoring in maintaining the safety and efficiency of one of Canada’s most vital transportation networks.
Reflecting on the experience, PEMAC GTA Chapter President Arun Gowtham shared, “The tour was fantastic. The structure was impressive, and the operations were cutting-edge. We were fortunate to time the tour right when the ship was passing the canal. The client team was kind enough to answer all our questions and explain operations in detail. About 11 of us toured, and five of their team members guided us.”
This immersive tour provided PEMAC GTA members with valuable insights into the integration of technology and asset management practices at one of the country’s critical infrastructure sites.
