Kingston, Ontario – The recent closure of the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston has had a significant impact on the economies of both the city and the Rideau Canal. The causeway, which connects Kingston to the nearby town of Gananoque, was closed for repairs from September 2019 to May 2020, causing disruptions to both local businesses and tourism.
According to a report by the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, the closure resulted in a loss of approximately $1.5 million in revenue for local businesses. This includes restaurants, hotels, and other tourist attractions that rely on visitors from both Kingston and Gananoque.
The closure also had a negative impact on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination. The canal, which runs from Ottawa to Kingston, saw a decrease in boat traffic during the closure, resulting in a loss of revenue for the National Historic Site.
In addition to the economic impact, the closure also caused inconvenience for commuters and residents of both Kingston and Gananoque. The detour route added an extra 30 minutes to their daily commute, causing frustration and delays.
The closure of the LaSalle Causeway highlights the importance of maintaining and investing in infrastructure. The causeway, which was built in 1917, is a vital link between Kingston and Gananoque, and its closure had a ripple effect on the local economies.
Fortunately, the repairs were completed on schedule and the causeway has now reopened, providing relief to businesses and residents alike. However, this incident serves as a reminder to prioritize the maintenance and upkeep of our infrastructure to avoid future disruptions and economic losses.
In conclusion, the closure of the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston had a significant impact on the local economies of both the city and the Rideau Canal. It is crucial for governments and authorities to prioritize the maintenance of infrastructure to avoid such disruptions in the future.
