Troy Shantz
Work crews took full advantage of the ice on Lake Huron for the latest round of shoreline repairs in Bright’s Grove.
Excavators recently used the ice as a natural platform to begin positioning giant limestone blocks on the lakebed along 250 metres of shoreline between Helen Avenue and Kenwick Street.
“The ice is kind of a plus because it protects them from waves and the weather, said Rob Williams, Sarnia’s construction manager. “But it’s also a lot of extra work for them to remove the ice.”
R & M Construction is placing two rows of 5,000-kilogram base stones under the lake surface, Williams said. Smaller limestone pieces will then be added to create a sloped revetment atop the reinforced bank.
The stretch under construction secures a popular walking and cycling trail that fronts Wildwood Park, Bright’s Grove School and about a dozen private homes.
R & M was one of six bidders for the $2.1-million project. The Acton, Ontario firm has shoreline work experience, including recently completed projects on Lake Erie’s battered coast, Williams said.
After placing the foundation stones, the company will then build the sloped revetment over the next two months, he said.
The blocks for the slope – they all come from a quarry near Orillia - are a bit smaller than the base stones but still weight 3,000 to 4,000 kg each, Williams said.
“They’re trying to make a smooth continuous surface of the shoreline. It requires relatively dimensional stones so limestone is ideal for that.”
The pedestrian path being saved from wave erosion has been busier than ever this winter, said Westgate Crescent resident Bill Miller.
“People love walking along here. This is such a good tourist attraction. People flock here from everywhere.”
Miller appeared before city council and advocated for protecting shoreline infrastructure, which has deteriorated badly in recent year.
“It’s good to see it getting done,” he said, as a heavy excavator rumbled in the background.
Sarnia’s next tender will be for a stretch of shoreline between Penhuron Drive and Pine Avenue in Bright’s Grove.
Extensive emergency repairs were needed there to slow lake erosion last year, and the city hopes to have the work completed this summer, Williams said.
Six groynes will also be added and repaired this year, he said.
Sarnia has budgeted $3.2 million for shoreline stabilization in 2021, with support from the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.