Water‑control Dam

The dam of the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site is used to control the water level of the Richelieu River.

The old  wooden dam, built in 1849, was too damaged to effectively regulate the water level of the river. That's why a new dam was built between 1967 and 1969. Its operation is based on a technology that was unique in North America at the time: it is the water pressure rather than the direct use of electric energy that activates the dam shutters.

The Saint-Ours dam is accessible at all times during the navigation season from mid-May to mid-October. It allows you to cross on foot over to the north bank of the Richelieu River to visit the Vianney-Legendre Fishway.