Environmental and Social Impacts of Marine TransportFor more than 200 years, the marine shipping industry has been an integral part of the Great Lakes economy. The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River combine to form the longest deep-draft navigation system in the world, extending 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles) into the North American heartland. The system includes the five Great Lakes and their connecting channels, as well as the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A series of locks either lift or lower vessels to overcome elevation changes.The Great Lakes Seaway System  |
St. Lawrence Seaway The St. Lawrence River, a binational trade corridor complements the region's rail and highway network and offers customers a cost-effective, safe, reliable and environmentally smart means of moving raw materials, agricultural commodities and manufactured products to and from domestic and global markets. Cargoes include iron ore, coal, steel, aluminum, machinery, stone, cement, grain, sugar, fertilizers, road salt, petroleum products and containerized goods. These cargoes become the staples of everyday life — food and other household items; buildings, factories, roads and bridges; vehicles and planes; and the energy that powers cities and towns. The Seaway
The St Lawrence River is a vital ecosystem for the community and the diversity of life that it sustains. In 2024, the River Institute is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To mark this important milestone, we are reflecting on 30 years of leadership in river research, outreach, and education that continues to contribute to protecting the river for generations to come. YouTube
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Upper St. Lawrence River - Heritage Designation June 2017 ... The St. Lawrence River is officially considered an historic site. The special designation for the St. Lawrence River is a first under the province's Cultural Heritage Act, which was adopted in 2012. Kaniatarowanenneh: River of the Iroquois. The St. Lawrence River Valley, which the Mohawks call Kaniatarowanenneh, or the "big waterway," has a rich history of aboriginal use and occupation dating back over 9,000 years. The Upper St. Lawrence River has a long and storied role in the pre-history and development of Canada. Activity on the river can be traced back to prehistoric times. From the fur trade to the lumber trade, the St. Lawrence River served as the shipping link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Canadian interior, and was used by Aboriginal and European communities alike. By enabling the trading of Canada's natural resources, it was a key facilitator of Canada's development as a country. Today, the Upper St. Lawrence boasts abundant historic sites and museums along its length, offers a stunning and internationally-recognized riparian environment in the Thousand Islands, and remains a vital transportation route linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Designating the Ontario portion of the St. Lawrence River would address recognized gaps in the Canadian Heritage River network. This section of the river crosses both international and provincial boundaries; has been the backdrop for Aboriginal and European cross-cultural contact; boasts distinctive architecture inspired by the river; and is home to well-developed and nationally recognized land-based tourism attractions.
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