[2] Operation of the Soulanges Canal was powered by a small hydro electric generating station.

"Le Petit Pouvoir" is located near the middle of the canal and provided power for the motorized lock gates, electrical operation of the swing bridges, and illumination for the entire length of the canal at night.

It was the first canal in the world to have its entire passageway lit by night, allowing round-the-clock operation.

[3] It opened in 1899 and remained in operation until 1958 when it was in turn superseded by an enlarged Beauharnois Canal which is now part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

[4] In the past there have been plans to reopen the canal to pleasure boats, but these have not materialized.