Alexander Leach, Editor
WHITEWATER REGION – On Monday, August 10th, the Township of Whitewater Region held a special council meeting to propose urgent repairs to the Muskrat Lake Boat Launch in Cobden at 10am, via Zoom.
The estimated repair cost is $58,583.28 after HST rebate.
Jordan Durocher, manager of Parks and Recreation, said that the repairs had been deferred in July due to lack of funds.
The proposal includes building a sediment trap, dewaterring the site, then removing the concrete slabs and placing bedding and cable concrete, as well as final cleanup.
Durocher said the township budget was $62,000, with a $10,000 rebate.
“Very happy to see this come through.” Reeve Cathy Regier said, when the question period was open.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin asked about changes, which were described as reducing the launch length.
They were going to extend the repair 12 feet from where it ends now, said Lane Cleroux, Manager of Public Works.
Major concerns included potholes in the launch, and the
“We got it engineered, and maybe it was a bit of a Cadillac.” Trembley said. “We kind of learned our lesson from two years ago with temporary fixes. We were trying to do with this to get the work done is to find a solution that was more cost-effective but operationally feasible to what was needed, and a concrete solution that was more cost-effective and less cost for mobilization and dewatering.”
“We felt we can always go to a higher standard. We felt that this was an acceptable solution.”
Trembley said that the main concern was to begin quickly, to prevent closures of the boat launch.
“It will likely be closed for all of September” CAO Robert Trembley said, saying the contractor gave September 17th as the end date for the repairs.
“This is a problem for 15 years, but the craters are more recent.” Trembley said, adding that they were budgeting for replacements in the future. “We’re maintaining it as we go.”
Trembley suggested that the Civitan club had funds from the Civitan club, but had no confirmed amount, and said he would follow up with the Civitan President, John Call.”
Mayor Moore asked if there was a warranty provided, but no concrete answer was provided. “What will give the life of this concrete is how its installed.” said Jordan Durocher. “It’s built to last.”
The motion was voted on and carried, with eager response from Councillor McLaughlin.
“I just hope it works.” he said.
