South Bruce Peninsula council has agreed to fix up the Colpoys Pier near Wiarton.
Council voted to repair two failing sections of the cement pier at a cost of $360,000, which will be borrowed through a ten-year debenture.
Mayor Janice Jackson says it's tough to spend that kind of money, but it's an important municipal asset and they are obligated to maintain it.
"We have a duty to maintain our assets, and it's certainly a focal point for the Colpoys Bay and Mallory Beach communities," says Jackson. "It's something we had a good discussion about, but we feel very comfortable about the decision."
Jackson says once the repairs are completed, council will take a longer look at more aesthetic improvements to the area around the pier, pointing out it was recently the subject of a study by Fanshawe College architectural design students.
"We also have interest in a boat launch at the pier, and boat slips, as well, so there's all kinds of things that we can do," says Jackson. "We're also interested in putting a pavilion out on the end [of the pier] and I know the Mallory Beach homeowners association has been fundraising for that purpose."
Jackson says the repairs to the Colpoys Pier will cost the average taxpayer about $10 per year over the next ten years to repay the loan.
