Power Canal Under Construction

Workers deepen the prism of the existing Sault Ste. Marie power canal to facilitate Clergue’s larger, more ambitious design.  The existing power canal was out of operation following the collapse of a wall.  The workers are aided by a crane to remove debris as they dig through the frozen earth.  The previous canal was never completed, leaving the town of Sault Ste Marie with a $263,000 debt.  Clergue paid off this debt and agreed to complete the power plant. Handwritten text at the bottom of the photograph reads Deepening Prism of Power Canal May 27, 1895.