Work begins on Lake Huron shoreline protection project in Kincardine

Work has begun on the $300,000 shoreline protection project along the coast of Lake Huron, from the north pier to Dunsmoor Park, in Kincardine.

Approved in June, the project was prompted by the erosion of the coastal bank to such an extent that the boardwalk, built by the Kincardine Lions Club, had to be removed before it fell into the lake.

Originally planned for the fall, workers and equipment arrived Monday (Feb. 6) to begin the project which includes excavation of the existing beach area, backfill of rip-rap or select fill, and placement of armour stone to stabilize the eroded area. Steps, within the retaining wall, will allow pedestrian access to the beach.

Some residents responded with concerns that the armour wall would obscure the view of the lake and the sunsets along the boardwalk, as well as along Macpherson Park and Dunsmoor Park. However, in July, Kincardine chief administrative officer Murray Clarke said the work being done is not the same as was completed in the 1980s along Saugeen Street.
 

"That was a different shoreline and a different solution," he said. "What people have in their minds is what happened there, but that's not the case."

With this project, Clarke said substantial armour stone will be installed along the bank in exactly the same location as the bank is now.

"There will be no mound of dirt," he said. "There will no visual obstacles. The horizon will be the same as it is now. This is a tasteful solution to the problem of shoreline erosion."

Clarke said that over time, the boardwalk will be restored and the shoreline will stabilize.
 

The project was awarded to Moorefield Excavating Ltd. and is expected to be completed in about four weeks. During this time, there may be delays around the westerly end of Lambton Street. Also, the Harbour Street access to the parking lot at Macpherson Park is restricted.
 

If you have any questions about this project, contact the public works department at 519-396-3468, Ext. 7121.