Update Kingston Ontario Canada Lasalle Causeway Schedule for 2025

[Cartouche]

PSPC Canada has released a schedule re removal of the Lasalle Causeway (Temporary Bailey Bridge) Looks like starting
Mid April Bi Weekly April 12th 2025 (Saturday) until May 30th 2025
Starting June 7th 2025 Weekly (Saturday) Through Aug 30th 2025 (Saturday)
Then Bi Weekly Sept 13th 2025 (Saturday) Through October 13th 2025 (Saturday)
Then will only open on demand for commercial traffic to enter Inner Harbour for Winter Storage.
The Bailey Bridge will be removed By Noon each opening day and replaced by 9pm, each opening day. Allowing Commercial Traffic in and out of the Inner Harbour and then Recreational traffic wanting to access the Rideau. There is as every year the fixed bridge at the east end of the Causeway that will allow most express cruisers to pass and some Low flybridge vessels to pass under. as a Resident Of Kingston Marina we had a front row seat to some of the eventful happenings from cruisers coming under the fixed bridge last year. At the end of this year they will be looking at the effectiveness of the openings dates and times, and adjust for subsequent years. the replacement will still be 5 years out as it has not been, designed or tendered yet. we also understand the cost for the day will be 100K to the Canadian tax payer each time. Discussion around the boats is that it is going to be very busy Kingston Mills through Jones falls From Thursday prior to Tuesday after. I would expect some large wait times at Kingston Mills.

 

[mvdunwaitin]

I was talking to the guy from Parks Canada at the Toronto Boat Show and he's hoping to get more openings but have to go with what is posted until it changes.
The fixed bridge on the other side has around 14 foot clearance and he mentioned that they are trying to get the water level and/or clearance on the website so you could plan better.
If you can get under the fixed bridge, you are not constrained by the Lasalle schedule.

 

[Jeff F]

The fixed bridge on the other side has around 14 foot clearance and he mentioned that they are trying to get the water level and/or clearance on the website so you could plan better.
If you can get under the fixed bridge, you are not constrained by the Lasalle schedule.

Right. That should have been done earlier. I recall there being more FUD last year than was necessary about the fixed bridge height. My experience is that it'll be closer to 15 than 14 ft, about the same as the Western Erie Canal, but it depends on the level on Lake Ontario.

 

[mvdunwaitin]

LaSalle Causeway - Canada.ca

The LaSalle Causeway links downtown Kingston to Pittsburgh near the mouth of the Cataraqui River. It was built in 1917 replacing the 1829 'Penny Bridge', a wooden toll bridge with a swing section to allow passage of marine vessels

www.canada.ca

Confirmed openings in 2025​

• April 19, from 9 am to 5 pm
• May 3, from 9 am to 5 pm
• May 17, from 9 am to 5 pm
• May 31, from 9 am to 5 pm
• June 8, from 9 am to 7 pm
• June 15, from 9 am to 7 pm
• June 22, from 9 am to 7 pm
• June 29, from 9 am to 7 pm
• July 1, from 9 am to 7 pm
• July 6 from 9 am to 7 pm
• July 13, from 9 am to 7 pm
• July 20, from 9 am to 7 pm
• July 27, from 9 am to 7 pm
• August 3, from 9 am to 7 pm
• August 10, from 9 am to 7 pm
• August 17, from 9 am to 7 pm
• August 24, from 9 am to 7 pm
• August 31, from 9 am to 7 pm
• September 7, from 9 am to 7 pm
• September 21, from 9 am to 5 pm
• October 5 from 9 am to 5 pm
• October 14 from 9 am to 5 pm
• October 19 from 9 am to 5 pm
• November 2, from 9 am to 5 pm
• November 16, from 9 am to 5 pm

Looks like they went with Sundays and not Saturdays...

 

[Cartouche]

And that is about to change to

 

[Ronk135]

This is helpful information and advice. I am trying to imagine how a flotilla of boats heading to the Kingston Mills locks at the same time will work. When planning our trip this summer maybe we just find a place to hang out after passing the causeway and wait until the next day.

 

[Jeff F]

This is helpful information and advice. I am trying to imagine how a flotilla of boats heading to the Kingston Mills locks at the same time will work. When planning our trip this summer maybe we just find a place to hang out after passing the causeway and wait until the next day.

Hanging out on either side of the causeway is easy, and Kingston is a great stop. There is a municipal marina on the lake side and lots of room to anchor inside the causeway.

I'd suggest you look at dropping the arch on your boat. It looks easy to do from your profile picture. Then you don't have to worry about it.

 

[Ronk135]

Yes, this spring (shrinkwrap removed) I will measure to the inch the air to the top of the arch in fixed position and lowered. There are pins when removed will release it. Just need to figure how awkward the process will be and if two people can do it or will it need a winch?.

 

[Jeff F]

Yes, this spring (shrinkwrap removed) I will measure to the inch the air to the top of the arch in fixed position and lowered. There are pins when removed will release it. Just need to figure how awkward the process will be and if two people can do it or will it need a winch?.

I'd consider dropping it on the Hudson River northbound at a yard that can help, and raising it again on the return trip.

 

[mvdunwaitin]

There are marinas on either side of the bridge and a decent anchoring area on the Canal side.
I am hoping they get more openings this year as it is the 200th anniversary.
"In 2026, the Rideau Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary (
1826–2026), marking the start of construction by Lt.-Col. John By. Celebrations honor its history as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key driver in the founding of Bytown (now Ottawa). Events include "Bytown200" initiatives, historical, and community events"

I'll be talking to Parks Canada guys at the Ottawa Boat Show in a couple weeks.See if they know anything, Its a bargaining with Treasury Board/PSPC(Procurement and running the repair project) and Parks Canada Canal.
Parks Canada wants it open as much as possible.