The Power of Water
As was the case for many Western European and American cities, Canada was in a position to enter the industrial era thanks to hydropower. This new energy source was made available to industries, which benefited from stable, continuous, and abundant power. Investors assured themselves of exclusive control over riverbeds through the purchase or rental of hydraulic lots, and the model quickly spread across the country.
Detailed view of the Montreal Cotton Co. generating station and headrace, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
Underwriters Survey Bureau Ltd insurance plan, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, 1925, revised in 1941, plate 20.
Musée de société des Deux-Rives Private Collection.
Factories running on electricity were less expensive to operate than their steam-powered competitors. Moreover, the pulley systems of waterwheels were expensive, dangerous, noisy, and unreliable. While electric systems were more expensive to buy, they were more efficient, cleaner, more powerful, and more flexible for expansion projects and machine replacements. Electric power was also used for streetlights in cities, but not necessarily to light homes.
The Power of Water
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TRANSCRIPT
Navigable waterway built by human hands, the canal drew water from then largest sources, a river or even the sea,
with many advantages and uses. It could be routed to areas where water was needed, for irrigation or transportation, among others.
It also made travelling inland easier, as it could be steered around natural barriers...
...like rapids and waterfalls. They improved navigation between Europe, Canada and the United States,
but also made it possible to harness the power of water.
The water flow used to drive wheels and turbines...
... was powered by significant differences in levels.
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