Mariners are advised that exceptionally dry conditions have resulted in a continued decline in water levels on Lake St. Louis. Despite progressively tighter speed restrictions, water levels remain low, and no significant improvement is anticipated in the coming weeks.
As a result, effective November 26, 2026 and until further notice, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section will be reduced as follows:
From Call-in Point No. 2 to Beauharnois Locks – 80.0 dm
Maximum permissible draft above Beauharnois Locks will remain at 80.8 dm. Ships already loaded and in transit will be handled case by case. Ships that have yet to load must comply with this notice.
Speed restrictions remain in effect as described in the latest Montreal-Lake Ontario Notice to Shipping.
In the Welland Canal, the maximum permissible draft will remain at 80.8 dm. Ships equipped with an approved and operational Draft Information System (DIS) will continue to be permitted to transit at a draft of up to 7cm above the applicable maximum
permissible draft.