Town of Huntsville Council considering $2.1 million cost to repair Brunel Lift Locks

$100,000 is expected for minor repairs in 2026. In 2027 major repairs could take place, closing the locks for the season

Huntsville General Committee expressed interest in considering the $2.1 million cost to repair Brunel Lift Locks, in the January 28, 2026, meeting.

An inspection was completed by Ellis Engineering Inc. in 2025, with findings identifying several capital repairs and component replacements required to maintain the long-term functionality.

Based on timing and budget considerations, staff are recommending a two-phase approach to address the work.

Phase 1, proposed for 2026, includes smaller repair and replacement items that can be completed without closing the locks, at a cost of $100,000, to be funded through the Parks Capital Reserve.

Phase 2, proposed for 2027, involves more extensive repairs that would require closing the locks for the season, and costs $2.1 million.

Committee was presented with three options: approve both phases using the Parks Capital Reserve (recommended), approve only Phase 1 and defer Phase 2 over two years, or not approve the project. Staff recommend proceeding with Phase 1 in 2026 and including Phase 2 in the draft 2027 Mayor's Budget for consideration.

Councillor, Bob Stone, expressed he doesn’t believe it’s worth spending $2.1 million on the area given that only 240 people are using them to and from their destination (481 one way) 48 times.

He said, “I struggle with that… It’s a lot of money for a seasonal amount of people using the Locks,” and couldn’t commit to that amount of money.

Committee members discussed the importance of the heritage aspect of the Locks fitting with the “historic Town.”

Some members indicated that they’ve heard from residents about the importance of the Locks to the community, and others mentioned the potential to receive a grant to help with the costs.

Staff confirmed that there is a possibility the Town can receive funding covering 50% of the major repair costs.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, suggested, “Once the renovations are done…heritage becomes part of a new community strategy emphasizing the importance of it, people would use it if aware of it.” She recommended a communication strategy or campaign “to get the numbers up because it’s a really cool thing to be able to do in our community.”

Stone said, “It’s politically easy to say we’ll talk about it in the next term… We were elected to be fiscally responsible too… So, I struggle with it.”

He added, “I’ll go along with it, but when it comes right down to it if we don’t get the 50% grant at that time I don’t know if I can stomach it.”

Committee agreed to the $100,000 repairs this year and will consider the remaining $2.1 million in the budget moving forward.