February 25, 2026 - 5:45 pm
London
Date: Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Presenter: Dr. F. Michael Bartlett, M.A., F. CSCE, P.Eng. (Past Chair, CSCE National History Committee)
Title: Engineering Around The Falls: The Welland Canals and Niagara Generating Stations
Abstract: The 57 m drop at Niagara Falls presented both an obstacle and an opportunity to 19th century civil engineers. Four generations of the Welland Canal, that have been in operation since 1829, resolved the obstacle. Thirteen power plants, first generating Direct Current in 1882 and then Alternating Current in 1895, cashed in on the opportunity. This illustrated presentation will briefly review the history of these two remarkable civil engineering initiatives that pertain to this year’s presentation theme, Supporting Economic Development.