Without Colonel John By, there would be no Ottawa. This British military engineer arrived in the Canadian wilderness in 1826 with orders to build a canal—and ended up founding a city that would become the capital of Canada.
The story of Lieutenant-Colonel John By is one of vision, determination, and ultimately tragedy. His engineering achievements stand to this day, yet he died in obscurity, never knowing the legacy he left behind.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Lt.-Col. John By (1779-1836) was the Royal Engineer who supervised construction of the Rideau Canal from 1826-1832. He founded Bytown (later Ottawa), designed the canal system still in use today, but died in disgrace after government budget disputes. His legacy is celebrated throughout Ottawa.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Lived | 1779-1836 |
| 📍 Role | Royal Engineer |
| 🎟️ Achievement | Built Rideau Canal |
| ⏰ In Canada | 1826-1832 |
Early Life and Career
Military Background
John By was born in London, England, in 1779. He joined the Royal Engineers at age 18, receiving his commission in 1799. His early career took him across the British Empire:
- Served in Canada during the early 1800s
- Worked on fortifications in Quebec
- Gained experience with locks and canals
- Supervised gunpowder factories in England
- Built the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey
By was known for his innovative approaches and willingness to adopt new technologies. These qualities would prove essential for his greatest challenge.
The Canal Assignment
In 1826, the 47-year-old Colonel By received orders that would define his legacy: travel to Canada and construct a military canal from the Ottawa River to Kingston on Lake Ontario.
The Mission:
- Create an alternative supply route avoiding the vulnerable St. Lawrence
- Build a navigable waterway for military vessels
- Complete the project as quickly as possible
- Connect existing lakes and rivers with locks and canals
Illustrative image only.
Building the Rideau Canal
Arriving at the Site
Colonel By arrived at the mouth of the Rideau River in September 1826. He found:
- Dense wilderness
- Challenging terrain
- Swamps, rapids, and rocky outcrops
- No existing infrastructure
- Harsh climate
Yet By saw possibilities. He established his headquarters on the bluffs that would become Parliament Hill and began planning an engineering masterpiece.
Engineering Innovations
By’s approach to the canal was revolutionary for its time:
Larger Lock Design:
- By proposed locks 134 feet long and 33 feet wide
- Far larger than originally specified
- Could accommodate steamboats, not just small military vessels
- Forward-thinking for commercial use
Stone Construction:
- Used local limestone for permanent structures
- Built locks designed to last centuries
- Many original locks still function today
Hydraulic Engineering:
- Created artificial lakes as water reservoirs
- Designed dam systems to control water levels
- Engineered the entire watershed as integrated system
The Human Cost
The canal construction exacted a terrible toll:
- Malaria (called “swamp fever”) killed hundreds
- Workplace accidents claimed many lives
- Harsh winters caused frostbite and illness
- Workers labored in dangerous conditions
- Many graves mark the canal route
By cared deeply about his workers, establishing hospitals and improving conditions where possible, but 19th-century construction remained deadly work.
Founding Bytown
More Than a Construction Camp
Colonel By didn’t just build a canal—he founded a city. Recognizing that workers and their families needed a proper community, he:
Urban Planning:
- Laid out streets in a grid pattern
- Designated areas for different purposes
- Reserved land for public buildings
- Created distinct Upper Town and Lower Town areas
Infrastructure:
- Built the first bridge across the Rideau Canal
- Established roads connecting to surrounding areas
- Created the first substantial buildings
Civic Development:
- Encouraged merchants and tradespeople to settle
- Supported church construction
- Promoted permanent settlement over temporary camps
His Headquarters
By’s headquarters and residence stood near today’s Major’s Hill Park. The Commissariat building he constructed—now the Bytown Museum—is the oldest stone building in Ottawa and the last surviving structure from Colonel By’s era.
Illustrative image only.
Triumph and Tragedy
Canal Completion
The Rideau Canal was completed in 1832—a remarkable achievement. In just six years, By and his workers had created:
- 202 kilometres of navigable waterway
- 47 locks at 24 stations
- 52 dams
- Numerous bridges and structures
- A complete watershed management system
The canal opened to boat traffic in 1832 and immediately proved its worth for transportation and commerce.
The Budget Controversy
Despite this triumph, By faced disaster. The canal cost significantly more than original estimates—about £800,000 versus the initial £169,000 projection.
Why the Overruns:
- Original estimates were unrealistic
- By chose superior, lasting construction
- Unexpected geological challenges
- Larger lock design cost more
- Inflation and supply chain issues
By believed he had authority to make these decisions and that the higher-quality construction was worthwhile. The British government disagreed.
Recall and Disgrace
In 1832, Colonel By was recalled to England to face a Treasury inquiry into the cost overruns. Though eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, the experience destroyed him:
- His reputation was damaged
- He received no recognition for his achievements
- His health declined rapidly
- He never received another major command
John By died on February 1, 1836, at age 56—broken and largely forgotten.
Legacy in Ottawa
Recognition Finally Came
Decades after his death, Colonel By finally received recognition:
Place Names:
- ByWard Market (Ottawa’s famous market district)
- Colonel By Drive (scenic road along the canal)
- By Island
- Multiple streets and buildings
Memorials:
- Statue at Major’s Hill Park
- Commemorative plaques throughout Ottawa
- Annual celebrations of his contributions
Enduring Works:
- Rideau Canal—UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Original locks still operating
- Bytown Museum in his commissariat building
What He Left Behind
Colonel By’s vision shaped Ottawa in ways he never imagined:
- The canal route determined the city’s development
- His street layouts influenced downtown planning
- The community he founded became Canada’s capital
- His engineering works serve the city nearly 200 years later
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I see Colonel By’s statue? A: A bronze statue of Colonel By stands in Major’s Hill Park, overlooking the Rideau Canal locks he constructed.
Q: Did Colonel By ever return to Canada? A: No. After being recalled to England in 1832, he never returned to Canada and died in 1836 without seeing how his settlement developed.
Q: Why is it called “ByWard” Market? A: The market was established in one of the wards (districts) laid out by Colonel By, hence “By Ward” Market.
Q: Was Colonel By married? A: Yes, he was married to Esther March. They had two daughters. His wife accompanied him to Canada during the canal construction.
Q: How long did the canal take to build? A: Construction took approximately six years, from 1826 to 1832. The canal opened to boat traffic in May 1832.
Final Thoughts
Colonel John By deserves recognition as one of the most important figures in Canadian history. His engineering genius created a waterway system that still functions perfectly after nearly 200 years. His urban planning laid the foundation for Canada’s capital city. His determination built something lasting from wilderness.
The tragedy is that By never lived to see his vindication. He died thinking himself a failure, unaware that:
- His canal would become a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Bytown would become Canada’s capital
- His name would grace streets, buildings, and Ottawa’s most famous market
- Future generations would celebrate his vision
Today, when you skate on the Rideau Canal, walk through ByWard Market, or gaze at the locks below Parliament Hill, you’re experiencing Colonel John By’s enduring legacy. He built more than a canal—he built Ottawa.
Source: Bytown Museum, Historical Society of Ottawa, Parks Canada - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
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