Kincardine to block vehicular access to north, south piers

Prompted by the the chief coroner's report into the death of a Kincardine man, whose vehicle slid off the north pier in Kincardine Harbour Jan. 2, 2016, Kincardine council has agreed to block vehicular access to both the north and south piers, at a cost of $8,000.

In committee-of-the-whole last night (Oct. 19), recreation director Karen Kieffer referenced a letter from the chief coroner of Ontario, Dr. Rick Mann, stating that the man who died had driven his pick-up truck onto the north pier which was covered with ice. About half-way down the pier, he appeared to attempt a three-point turn when his vehicle slipped off the north side of the pier. He died in his submerged vehicle.

Mann noted that there is easy access to the north pier from the bottom of Harbour Street, with no barriers to prevent unauthorized vehicular access.

"We ask that the Municipality of Kincardine study the physical layout of the Kincardine piers and consider some sort of barrier system or other mechanism to prevent unauthorized vehicular access to the piers," stated Mann.

Kieffer told council that staff is recommending the addition of a third large boulder or cement block to the two already at the edge of the south pier to eliminate access; and to install three removable posts across the entranceway to the north pier.

She said the removable posts would allow access to the north pier by various vehicles, such as the Coast Guard, the fire department for annual training, and the company that sets off the Canada Day fireworks. In the event of an emergency, the chain could be cut to allow access, she said, adding that signs would also be posted, stating: "Emergency and service vehicles only beyond this point."

In addition, Kieffer said staff is recommending that the steel railing along the north wall (in front of Cottrill's Condominiums), which is 10 inches from the ground, be extended another 22 metres. This would be helpful in the event that a car was slipping on the ice, as the railing would either slow it down or stop it.

Cost for the recommended work is estimated at $6,000 for materials and $2,000 for labour, with municipal staff doing the job. The funds would come from the parks operating budget under beach maintenance.

"With council approval, we would like to get this work done before the end of the year," said Kieffer.

Councillor Laura Haight noted that with the third cement block at the entrance to the south pier, even emergency vehicles would not have access.

Kincardine fire chief Kent Padfield said that is not a concern because the fire department has never used the south pier for training. "That's not an issue for us."

Committee-of-the-whole approved the recommendations, and that was later endorsed by council.