Frigate-sized canals in the War of 1812

How would the War of 1812 change if canals connected the St. Lawrence to Lakes Ontario and Erie and could pass Royal Navy frigates?

The canals would become critical objectives, and control of them could let the Royal Navy dominate the lakes with ocean-going warships.

Both sides would fight repeatedly over the canal line because it would control access for powerful ships and their supplies. If Britain retained the route, Royal Navy frigates could overwhelm much of the locally assembled American lake force. The scenario highlights infrastructure as combat power: a canal's dimensions can determine which navy is able to bring its existing fleet into a theater.