The arms come down one by one stopping traffic over the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

A final siren signals the impending lift climbing more than thirty metres above the lake, something that’s happening more often this summer.

The federal agency that operates the bridge says the high-level of Lake Ontario means clearance has been significantly impacted. Boats that used to be able to pass underneath now need the bridge raised.

Lake Ontario hit a record high in June but thanks in part to warmer, drier weather it has started to decline.

The only real gripe mentioned was when the bridge is raised during rush hour something at least one driver would prefer wasn’t done.