Welland Canal opens for 2026 season with top hat tradition

The Welland Canal opened for the 2026 shipping season today.

The City of Port Colborne held a long standing ceremony this morning in which a top hat is presented to the captain of the first downbound vessel of the season.

That captain this year was Donald Kemp, the captain of Radcliffe R. Latimer.

Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele said the event highlights the community’s commitment to the marine industry and its contribution to the local, provincial and national economies.

On Wednesday, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation will hold its own top hat ceremony.

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