Improvements to Sarnia's Centennial Park waterfront are in the works as canoeing and kayaking gains popularity during the pandemic.
Mayor Mike Bradley said council will consider the installation of a new accessible canoe and kayak launch at Sarnia Bay Monday.
Drawing of proposed canoe/kayak launch. Image courtesy of Sarnia council agenda.
"When Centennial Park was redone, there was not access to the water for people because of that big breakwall that goes right around the park, so this is a huge step forward," said Bradley. "It was budgeted for in 2019. It is modelled after one in Port Huron which is quite successful and there's also an opportunity with the redevelopment of the Ferry Dock Hill parking lot to put a small kayak/canoe facility in there too so people can access the waterfront."
JS Marine has provided the city with a $75,000 estimate for the work.
In a report to council, staff said the company is the only Ontario dealer known to provide the system that's AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliant.
"In these difficult times when people are trying to get out and exercise and do things, I think this will be most welcome by the public," Bradley said.