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A concrete plan for Sarnia's wooden boardwalk

Sarnia is taking the boards out of its boardwalk. The wooden walkway on the west side of Front Street has been a popular place from which to watch activity on the St. Clair River for generations.
The Front Street boardwalk between Davis Street and John Street.

Sarnia is taking the boards out of its boardwalk.

The wooden walkway on the west side of Front Street has been a popular place from which to watch activity on the St. Clair River for generations.

But the timber structure, last replaced in 1991, is rotting and warped and a chronic maintenance headache.

So it’s being replaced with a concrete version.

The precast system is more expensive than wood but will last longer and with far fewer repairs, staff say.

Nineteen new LED streetlights have also been approved, bringing the total cost of the walkway project to just over $1 million.

The boardwalk stretches along two blocks of Front between Davis and Johnston streets. The southern end is cantilevered over a steep bank, preventing a traditional poured concrete sidewalk that would require even more costly retaining walls, staff say.

The boardwalk job was awarded to South West Fence and Deck for $885,000.

Bluewater Power will get 143,000 to replace the wiring and streetlights, several of which have been knocked out in vehicle collisions.

Casandra Cuthbert jogs along the Front Street boardwalk with her two-year-old son, Bo. She uses the boardwalk while exercising and enjoys the view atmosphere.
Casandra Cuthbert jogs along the Front Street boardwalk with her two-year-old son, Bo. She uses the boardwalk while exercising and enjoys the view atmosphere.

John Foote leads the way for a fishing trip to the St. Clair River. Following along is Jessica Foote, David Long, Jennifer Dillman pushing Charles Foote in the stroller, Jessica O"Neil and Taryn Shay.  The Front Street boardwalk between Davis Street and John Street. Glenn Ogilvie
John Foote leads the way for a fishing trip to the St. Clair River. Following along is Jessica Foote, David Long, Jennifer Dillman pushing Charles Foote in the stroller, Jessica O"Neil and Taryn Shay.The Front Street boardwalk between Davis Street and John Street.Glenn Ogilvie


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