A ship sits next to a flooded pier and workers build temporary elevated sidewalks.
The Dalhousie City docked next to the flooded pier and ferry terminal at Lakeside Park as workers build temporary
breakwater on the pier, 1943. STCM S1943.10.8.1

The pier and parking lot at Lakeside Park were flooded when the spring melt brought water to its highest point in 50 years on June 2, 1943. While the park has flooded several times since, this instance made for a challenging disembarkation for passengers and crew of Dalhousie City, sitting at least three feet higher than normal. Passengers were “ferried” to dry land by Lakeside Park manager (and later owner)
Sid Brookson in his truck.

Everything’s Coming Up Lakeside Park!

Lakeside Park has flooded several times but water levels throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway are more regularly managed today so floods are less likely. The last flood was in the spring of 2017 and closed Lakeside Park for several weeks.

The 1943 flood was captured throughout Lakeside Park by the Standard giving us an interesting view of this popular recreation spot.

A woman stands on the front porch of a building with the sign "Administration Buidling"
“Dorothy Davis stops just in time before stepping out of the Administration Building into about four inches of water which covered the walk.” St. Catharines Standard, June 3, 1943. STCM 1943.10.8.2
A man stands on the last step of a streetcar trolley which is parked in a few inches of water.
“Operator Anson King stops his trolley at the end of the link which is now running with water.” St. Catharines Standard, June 3, 1943. STCM 1943.10.8.3.
Two swimmers beside a lamp post.
Two swimmers demonstrate the depth of the water by standing on the pier next to a lamp post. S1943.10.8.6.
A car drives through a flooded parking lot.
“Trucks are over their axles as they rush for another load of sand for the breakwater.” St. Catharines Standard, June 3, 1943. STCM S1943.10.8.4.

There’s More to the Story

Check out the entire History InSite installation across Merritton, downtown St. Catharines and in Port Dalhousie.

About History InSite

A permanent, site specific installation, History InSite juxtaposes historical photographs with modern streetscapes by presenting the photo in, or close to, the place which it was taken.

St. Catharines has a rich photographic history and when compared to the changing streetscapes around the City, that history becomes much more meaningful, poignant, and relevant to our modern eyes.

The Downtown series was installed in July 2021. The Port Dalhousie series was installed in May 2022. The Merritton series was installed in May 2023. Additions to each installation are made on an annual rotation.

History InSite is presented by the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre.

Graffiti Report

If you spot any graffiti on our purple History InSite signs, please send us a message.