SS Pontiac – History & Legacy on the Ottawa River

The SS Pontiac was a notable steam-powered Ferry that operated on the Ottawa River, primarily serving the region between Pembroke, Ontario, and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Quebec. It played a crucial role in regional transportation during the early 20th century, especially before bridges were built to span the river.

Overview of the SS Pontiac

  • Name: SS Pontiac
  • Type: Side-wheel steam-powered Ferry
  • Built: Late 1800s (exact date unclear—estimates range from the 1880s to early 1900s)
  • Area of Operation: Ottawa River crossing between Pembroke, ON and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, QC
  • Function:
    • Carried passengers, wagons, livestock, and eventually early motor vehicles.
    • Provided a vital link between Ontario and Quebec before modern bridge construction.

Construction & Design

  • Propulsion: Steam engine with side paddle wheels
  • Hull: Wooden construction, typical of the period
  • Size: Modest by today’s standards, but capable of carrying several passengers and cargo at a time
  • Capacity: Likely accommodated a mix of passengers, carts, and goods rather than large-scale automotive transport

Role in Pembroke’s Transportation History

  • Vital Connection: Before the construction of the Allumette Bridge, the SS Pontiac was the primary mode of crossing for rural communities, farmers, and small business operators.
  • Economic Impact: Enabled trade and movement of goods between the Ontario and Quebec sides of the Ottawa River.
  • Cultural Significance: Became a symbol of river life in the Upper Ottawa Valley and is remembered in local lore and historical archives.

Decline & Decommissioning

  • The SS Pontiac’s service declined as:
    • Roads improved
    • Motor vehicles became more common
    • Bridges replaced the need for ferries (notably, Route 148 bridge near Chapeau/L’Isle-aux-Allumettes)
  • Likely Retired: By the 1940s or 1950s
  • What Happened to the Vessel?:
    • Specific details are scarce, but like many wooden river ferries of the time, it was probably dismantled or left to deteriorate after retirement.
    • No known remains of the Ferry exist today.

Historical Mentions

You can find references to the SS Pontiac in:

Local Archives:

  • Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village (Pembroke, ON)
  • Pontiac Archives (Shawville, QC)
  • Library and Archives Canada – may contain navigation records, Ferry registrations, or maritime logbooks

Books:

  • The Upper Ottawa Valley: A Glimpse of History by Clyde C. Kennedy – Contains context about Ferry services and river travel in the region
  • Local heritage society newsletters and community oral histories often reference the SS Pontiac

Legacy

Though long gone, the SS Pontiac is remembered by:

  • Local historians and river heritage tours
  • Archival photos, some of which may still be held in museums or local newspapers
  • Mentions in regional transportation timelines as part of the development of interprovincial infrastructure in the Ottawa Valley