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THK "ICK-BRIDGE" AT QUEBEC.
John Kerry, Esq., President,
Office Board of Trade,
Montrenl, 2Sth July, 1884
AND
The Council of th( Montreal Board of Trade .•—
Gentlemen,
Herewith pleaHO find Repoi-t relatin^f to the Tce-Bai-rier
at Quebec and Cap liougc. Let me say that but fot- the valuable aid
obtained from gentlemen bosidoH tlioae mentioned in :1 . it could not have
b en so serviceable as I now think it will bo.
Hoping this investigation may answer the purpose of the Council,
I am. Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed,) WM. J. PATTERSON,
Secretary-
REP O RT
RELATING TO
THE " ICP]-BRIDGE " BETWEEN QUEBEC AND LEVIS.
The following is a trae copy of sub-sect. t8, Sec. 29, of 29
Vict., c. 5t :—
'• To prohibit any person from preventing, in any manner whatever,
" the ice from stopping and forming a bridge on the River 8t= Lawrence.
ice-bridge
stopped
■I— imiiul iilj n
2
tho said limitH, and to punish by a penalty, not oxcooding ei^^ht hundred
dollarH, all infringement of any of the provisionH of all by-laws passed
to that effoet; which said penalty shall belong to the coiporation of the
said city, and may be sued for in a summary manner before the
Recorder's Court of the said ciiy ; and in default "of payment of the said
penalty and tho costs, (h. defendant shall be imprisoned at hai-d lal)or
foi- a time not to exceed lliree months, unless the tine and costs and
those of imprisonment be sooner paid ; and to that end the said Court
has the power to summon the transgressor, although he may reside
without the limits of its jurisdiction, to appear before the said Court to
answei- to the charge brought against him, to defend and be judged in
conibrmity with the law which governs the said Court."
The Act is intituled " An Act to amend and consolidate the
provisions contained in the Acts and Ordinances relating to the
incorporation of, and supply of water for the City of Quebec."
The siibject of procuring the repeal by Parliament of the
foregoing sub-section was brought under the consideration of the
Council of the Montreal Board of Trade, on the ground that it
provides for a very serious obstruction to the navigation of the
River St. Lawrence, which has been detrimental to trade and
commerce, — and the following qu-H luns arose : —
1. Can the Eiver St. Lawrence, between Quebec and Levis,
be kept open during Winter by Steam Ferry Boats ?
2. What influence has the ice-barrier (the so-called ice-
bridge) at Quebec upon the ice formation at Cap
Rouge ?
8. Can the ice-barrier at Cap Rouge be destroyed in Spring
so as to admit of navigating the River at an earlier
date than is usual ?
4. To what extent does the ice-barrier at Quebec retard
the opening of River navigation ?
With these queries in view, the Secretary was instructed to
investigate the subject and report, so that the results may be
submitted to Government, if such action is deemed expedient.
i*
3
In endeavoring to perform the duty assigned, he presents as the
basis of subsequent remarks and deductions the following
STATEMENT.
Showing dates of arrivals at Quebec of the first Ship from Sea, and the first Steam-
boat from Montreal, during each of flfty-five consecutive years (1830 to 1884,
inclusive), — those in bold-face figures indicating the existence of an Ice Bridge
between Quebec and Levis.
Ybaiu).
Fkom Sea.
From Montreal
Years.
1858....
From Sea.
From Montreal
1830....
April 20.
April 17.
April 29.
April 18.
1831....
April 10.
April 21.
1859....
April 29.
April 22.
1832....
May 4.
April 29.
I860....
April 25.
April 26.
1833....
May 10.
April 18.
1861....
April 22.
April 26.
1834 ...
May
April 18.
1802....
April 16.
April 30.
1835..
May 2.
May 4.
1863 .
May 4.
May 4.
18»«. .
May 11.
May 11.
1864....
April 27.
April 21.
1837....
April 29.
May 1.
1865....
April 29.
April 21.
1838....
May 3.
April 28.
1806....
April 28.
April 26.
1839....
May 8.
April 21.
1867..
April 17.
May 3.
1840....
April 25.
April 29.
1808....
April 23.
April 28.
1841 ....
April 29.
May 1.
1809....
April 27.
April 30.
1842....
May 3.
April 21.
1870..
April 16.
April 25.
184.1..
April 18.
May .').
1871....
April 22.
April 18.
1844....
May 3.
April 24.
187S..
April 30.
May 6.
1843..
May 1.
April 25.
1873....
April 28.
May 2.
1840....
April 24.
Aprd 17.
1874..
April 28.
May 10.
1847..
May 8.
May 8.
1875..
April 29.
May 9.
1848..
May 1.
May 6.
1876..
May 6.
May 9.
1849....
April 28.
April 25.
1877....
April 25.
April 26.
1850..
April 28.
April 25.
1878....
April 20.
April 21.
1851....
April 20.
April 2?.
1879....
April 29.
May 2.
1852....
April 15.
April 30.
1880....
April 30.
May 1.
1853....
April 24.
April 23.
1881....
April 28.
April 27.
1854..
April 29.
May 5.
1882..
May 5.
April 28.
1855..
May 0.
May 6.
1883..
May 1.
May 6.
1856....
April 20.
April 27.
1884..
May 1.
April 30.
1857....
April 28.
April 17.
Tho Ibregoiuo- c-ompreheusivo tabulation of facts, from reliable
sources, is valua})le aud suggestive. The formation of the ic-e-
barrier is shown to be not of constant occurrence ; for it has only
happened about one-third of the time during the long period of
fifty-four years. The stattunent also establishes that, when the
ice-barrier existc^d at (Quebec, vessels from s<!a arrived at that Tort
before navigation was open to Montreal, as follows :—
In 1835 2 days earlior
1843.
1848.
1854.
18G7.
1870.
17
5
()
15
!)
^" 1'*^"- 7 (lays oarlior
1874 12 "
1875 1(1
1870 ", "
iss;j
Whilst only on four occasions did a vess(>l from Montreal
arrive at Quebec before any arrival from sea, viz. : —
111 1845 a days earlior
1850 3 "
In 1882.
1884.
7 (lay.s oarlior
1
In the years 183G, 1847, 1855 and 1863, the arrivals from
Montreal and from sea were simultaneous.
Contrariwise, the table establishes that in the 38 years when
there was no ice-barrier at Quebec, the first arrival at that Port
was of a Steamer from Montreal 20 times, and a Vessel from Sea
16 times, — on two occasions arrivals both ways being simul-
taneous.
Let it be borne in mind that navigation is not considered
open until a vessel has come down to Quebec from Montreal, and
the importance of the facts summarized in the "Statement"
becomes more apparent ; for, in point of time, the arrivals from
Montreal when there was no ice-barrier at Quebec, occurred in
the month of April 35 times out of 38,— the opening of navigation
being in May 14 times out of 19, when the ice-barrier existed
between Quebec and Levis.
I
I
\
y
I
i
t:
a
It is worth while, also, to particuhirize that, in the years
when there was no ice-barrier at Quebec, the Montreal steamers
plied between the two Ports before the arrival of the first vessel
from sea, as follows : —
1111830 odays
1832.
1833
1834.
1838.
1839.
1842.
1844.
1849.
1850.
5 "
22 "
18 "
5 "
17 "
12 "
9 "
3 "
3 "
In 1853.
1857 .
1858 .
18,59 .
18(iO.
1864 .
18G5.
18(i().
1871.
1881.
1 clay.
11
11
7
2
n
8
2
4
1
Total.
150 (lays.
On the other hand, when there was no ice-bridge, vessels
from sea came up to Quebec before the arrival of any of the
Montreal steamers, as follows : —
In 1831 .
1837.
1840.
1841.
1851.
1852.
1856.
1861.
5 days
2
it
4
U
2
n
2
11
15
li
7
a
4
it
In 1808 5days
1869 3 "
1873
1877
1878 ,
1879
1880
Total
59 days.
Another result shown in the foregoing " Statement" is, that
between 1830 and 1884, in the years when there was no ice-
barrier at Quebec, navigation between that City and Montreal
was opened as early as the 17th day of April,-the average of the
years being the 24th day of that month ; whereas, when the
barrier did exist, the opening of navigation was retarded until
the 11th day of May, the average opening being on the 8th of
that month,— or an a\erage retardation of fourteen clear days
annually.
It seems clear, therefore, that if the ice formation between
Quebec and Levis were prevented, the opening of navigation
between Quebec and Montreal would, on the average of years,
occur at least a fortnight earlier than when the ice-bridge, so-
called, is in existence.
The following extracts from a diary show very strikingly
what was the experience at Quebec, in two seasons without an ice-
barrier, and in a recent season xoith the obstruction : —
1877 — April 10. Scvoral schooners in Port from below,
ly. Li^ht-hhip.s out and ready lor below.
20. Summer ferry-boats running.
24. Ship at Metis.
25. First ship arrived.
30. Allan Steamship arrived.
The Winter Ferry-boats had run all Winter.
«
1878 — April 2. Pilot Schooners out and ready for below.
" 8. Boat from Island of Orleans.
" 10. Two small Steamers from Montreal.
" 13. Light-ships ready for below.
" 15. Ten Ships at Fox Elver and Metis.
Five Schooners arrived in Port.
" 18. Slimmer Ferry-boats running.
First Ship from sea,
" 21. Fii'st Steamer from Montreal.
" 24. Allan Steamship in Port.
Winter Ferries had been J-unning all Winter.
1883 — Jan. 8. Ice formed at Cap Eouge.
Feb. 3. Ice formed opposite Quebec to lower end of Indian Cove,
five or six miles below the City.
" 8. First freight carted across, — five days' detention.
April 10. Schooners at lower edge of ice, — cannot get into Port.
" 14. Schoonei's loading at edge of ice, — five miles down —
charge for cartage, $1.00 per small load.
" 16. Ice dangerous ; — carting ceased.
" 23. Ice-bridge gave way opposite town.
May
^1
«
H
(I
II
1. SteiimHhip "Ontario" arrived at Indian Covo.
2. SleamHhip "Concordia" arrived at Intlian Cove.
3. Stoamwhips "Scotland," "Grecian," " Lalte Champlain "
and "Scandinavian" arrived at Indian Cove,
4. Ice at Cap Rou;L;e gave way.
5. The al)ove-montionod Steanisiiips left for Montreal.
6. In the evening,— first Steamer from Muutreal.
If, in view of what has )M't>u advaucod in the foregoing
"Statement" and analysis, it may at any time be determined
upon to endeavor to make available the advantages expected to
accrue from the removal or prtn'ention of the ice-barrier between
Quebec and Levis, the initial obstacle will be the subsection of
the Act recited at the beginning of this Report. That its achieve-
ment is possible is the deliberate opinion of many of the best
informed observers. Among others whose views might be quoted,
special reference may be made here to the opinions of Mr. J. U.
Gregory, Agent at Quebec of the Department of Marine and
Fisheries, which have been submitted to experienced and aged
navigators, whose lives have, for the greater part, been spent at
or in connection with the Port of Qnebec, and approved of by
them. The replies to the subjoined queries embody the opinions
of Mr. Gregory, as recently expressed by bim : —
1. With existing moans, could the ice Ije prevented from forming,
under ordinary circumstances, both opposite to Quebec and
at Cap Eouge ?
Ans. Yes, at Quebec ; — but at Cap Rouge ice is ver^- much packed or
jammed, — do not think it could be kept open without a .suitr
able boat, kept constantly at work, breaking the ice in the
channel, — and this is doubtful.
2. In the interest of the trade of the country, and the reputation of
the Elver St. Lawrence, is it more desirable to have an ice-
bridge at Quebec than open water all Winter ?
Ans. In the interest of trade, it is decidedly an advantage to have
the river open ; — for navigation below Quebec is quite as safe
in March, or earlier, as in April or May.
3. Whii'li tnciuiM of croMHiiii,' tho Hivci- St. Lawrence iit. Quobec in
Winter iH the Hiilbr iind choupor (on the v lolo,)— the Stoum
Korry or the horne sloigh '!
Ant. The Hloiiui Kerry is choapor, and on tlio whole nafer.
4. If K(»me extraordinary cireum-<tanc'o (Huch an a heavy ntorm, or
oppreHHive cold) should occur to make it impossible to pre-
vent (ho rorniiiti()U(»f an ice-l)ridge,— when such influence has
couHod, would ii lie possible and advisable to at once break up
the briilKennd restore navigation ?
Ana. Yes, doeidodly,— as tho wharves cannot be used ; and it is quite
jK^Msible to l»i'eak up ice just formed by the present Ferry-boats.
5. Does the existence of an ice-bridj^'o at (Quebec retard the opening
of iiaviKUli(»n?— if so, about how raiiny days?
Am. I iiolieve that it retards navigation. As to number of days,
that can only be estimated according to the date of sailing for
thJH I'ort,— which, I believe feaniblo very much earlier than at
prcHtsfit, — say March.
6. Suppose the ice to have formed at Cap Eouge— can it be broken
up by i»la8tii)g ? If so, at what period after its formation should
blasting be resorted to? and would it be an expensive
ope ration?
Ana. Karly in March, when no bridge opposite Quebec, as ice does
not 'form much after that. Cannot estimate expense; but
prol.ai»ly from $1,000 to $2,000 should be sufficient to make
u fair trial.
•7. Have i(^o-bridges at Quebec, in the past, caused any loss of life
or of property ?
ylua. YoM,— very serious loss of property, especially in 1814, when
tho Government steamer "Napoleon III.'" and several other
vchhoIm were wrecked by the ice-bridge giving way. Many per.
Hotis have lost their lives by venturing to cross the bridge late
in Hpring. Tliis season, goods for the Lower Ports were sent
/-•ia Montreal, on account of the dangerous crossing, lor severa
days.
Tl«',i?imlino; Mr. aivjfory's roply to the f,ih quoNtion the Scro-
tary htiK bcfu favon-d with th<' following oi)iiiioii :— " Navigation
" below Quebec is always possible after the beg-inning of Febru-
" ary, and t|uite safe. Tetitions have, at diffi-rent times, beeu
" presented to aovernnient, praying for subsidies to help to
" demonstrate the i)ra.ticai)ility of winter navigation on the lower
" St. Lawjenee. Whilst no decided attempt has yet been made
" to prove the theory, there can be littU^ doubt that, if once made
" It would be suivessful, and might have the effect of inducing
" shipowners to dispatch tlieir vessels to the St. Lawrence some
" weeks earlier than they do at present. No step, however, is
" likely to be taken in the lace of a statutory enactment which
" makes it a criini; punishabh; by line and imprisonment at hard
" labor, to break up the ice obstruction opposite Quebei;."
With respect to thi' answer to the 6th question it may be
mentioned here that i.ieut.-Col. Cotton, of the Citadel at Quebec,
has made some experiments in blasting the i(;e at Cap Uouge, and
iu reply to an inquiry he has kindly sent a uote as follows :—
The Citadf' ukiieo,
9th June, . ,64.
Wm. J. Patterson, Ksti,
Sccretari/ Hoard uf TniJc,
Monti'oul.
Dear Sir,
You ask as to whethoi-, in my opinion, keeping tlie River opposite
Quebocopon would iiavo any oHort in lessening or preventing the forma-
tion of the harrier at Cap Rouge.
Although the employment of powerful steam Fenies hetweon Quebec
and LeviH would, no doubt, to a very groat extent, prevent the ice bariier
still, in my ..pinion, it would not xmxxvG it. In the Winter of 1882-83 the
barrier was formed at Cap liougo for some days before the Ferries ceased
running opposite (Quebec; while in 1883-84 the contrary was the case
10
From my exporienco of the lost two Winters' work, I am confident
tl.at the removal of tlie l.arrier is pos.iMe by means of explosives 1 was
,uite satisfied with the result of our work last Apr.l. The total cost of
the operation was $144.00, which incduded travelling expenses ot 837.
Some years ago a pier was built in the Eiver near Cap Eouge, for the
purpose of insuring an "ice-bridge," but it was eve.>tually earned away
by the ice.
Tf I can give any further information in the matter, pray -command
me.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) W. II. COTTON.
With re-ard to the influence of the ice-barrier at Quebec upon
the ice formation at Cap Rouge, it is most important to consider
that the bend in the River St. Lawrence which forms the basin
or harbor at that City, extending from above Hadlow Cove to tne
paiM called Point Levis,-a distance of about four miles,-diverts
the flow of the current nearly at a right angle to its course through
the Cap Rouge channel, besides materially checking it, so that in
the harbor proper the speed of the current is less than at almost
any other point from Lake St. Peter vo the sea. It must be evident,
th efore, that when the harbor of Quebec becomes frozen over,
the ice can only move away when thoroughly rotten, and mmt
retard that at Oap Rouge from breaking up. The foregoing
tabular Statement [see page 3 of this Report] proves that such is
the case, when it shows that, in the 38 years when no ice-barrier
formed at Quebec, the navigation between that City and Montreal
opened in the month of April 35 times, notwithstanding that the
ice must always have " taken " at and above Cap Rouge ;-while,
when the " bridge " had formed at Quebec, that same navigation
had been delayed until well into the month of May.
mtmmm^
11
confitlent
i. I WHS
il cost of
f $37.
e, for the
iod away
c'omm
anJ
roN.
bee upon
consider
he basin
ve to the
— diverts
3 through
so that in
at almost
e evident,
)zeu over,
and must
foregoing
at such is
ice-barrier
I Montreal
Lg that the
e ; — while,
navigation
CONCLUSION.
Having .oiisiderod the various particulars adduced, it seems
to the Secretary as if the qu(>stions which were to be kept in
view by him might be justly answered as follows :—
1. Can the liiver St. Lawrence, between Quebec and Levis,
bi; kept open during Winter by Steam Ferry Boats V
Ans. Yes, with but lew exceptions.
2. What inllu.Mice has the ice-barrier (the so-called ice-
bridge) at Quebec upon the ice-formation at Cap
Rouge ?
Ans. Undoubtedly u great deal.
3. Can the ice-l.nirrierat Cap Rouge be destroyed in Spring,
so as to uduiil of navigating the River at an earlier
date than usual ?
Ans. Yes.
4. To what extent does the ice-barrier at Quebec retard the
opening of River navigation '{
Ans. Probably several weeks.
Further,— the Secretary has no hesitation in saying that the
important advantages of an earlier opening of navigation on the
River St. Lawrence ought to induce the prompt removal of the
existing statutory obstacle, which prevtiuts experiments and
operations that might be beneficial to the trade of the cities and
towrs from Quebec upwards, as well as to the foreign commerce
of the Dominion.