The Sarnia Observer and Western Advertiser
February 9, 1854
Present Progress of Railroads in Canada
Montreal and Bytown – We are happy to announce that on the 18th inst.,
a commencement was made upon this work. The Contractors, Messers.
Sykes & Co., do not dilly dally with their undertakings. It is only
about two months since the contract was signed, and already the route
has been surveyed, a great portion of it located, and now thepart most
required is already in hand. It is known to our readers that the
navigation of the Ottawa is interrupted at Carillon, about 45 miles
from Montreal, by rapids and chutes which extend to Grenville, about
18 miles above, and that the Canals cut to overcome them were made at
a time when Durham boats alone did duty in transferring traffic to
Upper Canada, and ontoo small a scale to permit steamers of the
present day to pass through their locks. Passengers therefore, to
Bytown, have been conveyed bystages between the navigation at Carillon
and the navigation above at Grenville, at much comparitive discomfort.
It is this reach, therefore, which Messers., Sykes & De Bergue, with
great consideration for public convenience have resolved to put in
hand even at some disadvantage without losing a day, and to push it
through with such energy that by the opening of the spring the line
will be ready to receive the rail, and before the summer travel really
commences to have it in running order, unless some untoward accident
occur to prevent it.