Ship building on the Welland Canals

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Shipbuilding and shipping is in our city’s DNA! The Welland Canal has shaped the city’s landscape and the canal’s modern operation is a daily reminder of the importance of this engineering marvel. Observe the massive ships in todays’ Welland Canal as they climb the Niagara Escarpment in their travels between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

Beginning in 1827, and running up until about the 1870s, five yards dominated the shipyard and drydock business of building and repairing ships. Most of the vessels produced in these yards were canallers or propellors made for shipping on the Welland Canal. They came in various sizes, shapes, names, and ship types with the main division between wind power (sailing vessels) and steam power (propellor vessels).

The five yards, some owner-operated, and other partnership firms were:

  • Robert Abbey (later taken over by sons J. and J.P. Abbey as the Abbey Brothers) (Port Robinson)
  • Donaldson and Andrews / D, A, & Ross / Andrews & Sons (Port Dalhousie)
  • Melancthon Simpson (St. Catharines)
  • Muir Brothers (Port Dalhousie)
  • Louis Shickluna (St. Catharines)

It’s estimated that the Big Five built approximately 300 ships between 1830 and 1880, with Louis Shickluna building approximately 150. This number does not include repair work, which likely saw countless ships come to dry dock for repairs during their many journeys on the canal.

Spend some time learning more about the Welland Canals at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. It is home to extraordinary historical collections and exhibits that feature local St. Catharines perspectives, artifacts and stories of the area and its canals.