Reconstruction of the Thornbury Pier is underway.
Town of the Blue Mountains staff advise a contract has been awarded to Brook Restoration and crews started the job on Friday. It’s expected to be complete by May 31.
“The Town is pleased to have a contractor in place and ready to start work on the Pier to ensure that it is open, safe and ready for public use this summer,” says Mayor Alar Soever. “The Pier is an iconic landmark in Thornbury, and this resurfacing project will ensure that it remains safe for residents and youth to enjoy for years to come”.
According to a release from the town, it had previously been working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to maintain the pier, which in 2011 resulted in the installation of matting to cover the surface and reduce tripping hazards.
High water levels in recent years has caused the matting to shift and be damaged past the point of reasonable maintenance and repair.
An engineering review by AECOM last year recommended a full deck resurfacing of the pier.
Town officials advise the construction project will involve the removal of the existing concrete decking with a replacement of granular stone underneath the existing pier.
“While the concrete decking is removed, minor welding repairs will take place. Replacement conduit for the harbour entrance range light will be included in the deck replacement,” a release from the Town of the Blue Mountains explains. “In addition to the
pier resurfacing project, the concrete ramp adjacent to the pier will be removed due to its deteriorated condition.”
The town allocated $412,200 in its 2020 budget for the project.