The Welland Canal

By: Rudy Siemens. The Welland Canal is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway which allows ships passage from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. A total of 9 obstacles (waterfalls and rapids) were overcome through imaginative engineering feats. The following locks were built starting from near Montreal to Thunderbay: St. Lambert, Cote St. Catherine, Upper and Lower Beauharnois, Snell, Eisenhauer, Iroquois, Welland Canal (8 locks) Soo at Sault St Marie.

At English Cafe, we explored the geographical, the physical, the economic, and social implications of this great waterway.

Happy Thanksgiving

On Monday, October 11, 2010 Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving. Of course enjoying a big turkey dinner is a highlight, but more importantly, gathering together with friends and family adds to a feeling of togetherness.

We can say that our English Café gathering is a newly acquired family for many. Last Friday we met to learn about Thanksgiving traditions. The chatting, enjoying of snacks and sharing of things for which we are grateful, reminded us to "count our blessings" as we face the challenge of making Canada our new home. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

(To read further information please go to the page list at the top line and just click on the Cool Facts link) Thank you.