NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — A barge that has been stuck in the rapids of the Niagara River since 1914 is deteriorating near the brink of Niagara Falls.

What You Need To Know

  • The Iron Scow has been stuck in the rapids of the Niagara River for 104 years

  • It has been deteriorating and nearing the brink of the falls

  • It is still 600 meters from the edge

“For most of us, it’s always been there,” said Jim Hill, Niagara Parks Commission senior manager of heritage. “It’s sort of been a landmark. Most people growing up around here, their parents would tell them the story of the scow.”

The structure never moved until 2019, which began its downfall, shortly after breaking up into pieces and shifting closer to the brink of the falls. Historians believe this could be the beginning of the end for the Iron Scow.

Lodged on boulders about 600 meters from the edge of the falls, Hill said the scow is unlikely to go over all at once. Unless a large amount of rushing water dislodges it, it will deteriorate over time until the pieces submerge.

“Could be days, could still be years,” said Hill. “But it does appear that now that it’s broken up into three chunks, that maybe this is it for the scow.”

Authorities are monitoring it in case it moves again. Hill said there is no imminent threat to public safety if it does.