Lockport, Manitoba, is a charming unincorporated community nestled in the heart of Canada. Situated 28 kilometers north of Winnipeg along the Red River, Lockport is split between the Rural Municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements. The community is a popular angling location and is home to the Lockport Provincial Park, an archaeological site with evidence of human activity dating back 3,000 years.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lockport part A had a population of 445, a slight decrease from its 2016 population of 458. The community is spread over a land area of 2.47 km2, resulting in a population density of 180.2/km2 in 2021.
On the other hand, Lockport part B saw a population increase of 4.5% from its 2016 population of 288, reaching 301 in 2021. With a land area of 0.44 km2, it had a population density of 684.1/km2 in 2021.
One of the most notable landmarks in Lockport is the St. Andrews Caméré Curtain Bridge Dam, also known as the St. Andrews Lock and Dam. Completed in 1910, the dam was built to submerge the St. Andrews Rapids, a natural obstruction to the south, and make the Red River navigable through to Lake Winnipeg.
The dam, which is 270 meters in length, is the only Caméré curtain-style dam built in North America. Its movable curtains are rolled back before winter freeze-up to prevent ice jams and allow flood waters to pass through unimpeded during the spring.
The dam also features a canal lock, the only one found in the Canadian prairies, which allows river traffic to pass under the bridge. The bridge above the dam, completed in 1913, connects Manitoba Highway 44 on either side of the river.
The St. Andrews Caméré Curtain Bridge Dam was designated a National Historic Site in 1990. A monument and recreation area are located on the west bank of the Red River near the dam, adding to the historic charm of Lockport, Manitoba.
