Captain Brett Walker of the Algoma Central Corporation vessel Captain Henry Jackman was presented with the ceremonial top hat at Lock 3 this morning, when the Welland Canal officially opened for its 175th consecutive year of service. Dick Corfe, President and CEO of The St. declared the Welland Canal officially open. He also unveiled the first billboard in a striking educational campaign to promote the many benefits to be derived from the increased use of the marine mode - reduced congestion, reduced air pollution and reduced highway maintenance costs. Starting this week, anyone who travels the Toronto - Windsor corridor by road will start to see these billboards along the 400-series of highways.