​Kincardine closes north and south piers until March 1

Kincardine council has decided to close the north and south piers at the Kincardine Harbour, until March 1, 2024. Staff has installed temporary barriers preventing access to both piers.

The decision was made at the council meeting Wednesday night (Dec. 13), following a report about proposed interim safety measures at the piers, presented by community services director Jayne Jagelewski.

“Wave action on Lake Huron is at its highest over the coming months, and anyone who’s been within site of the piers will have seen those cold winter waters crashing over them,” said mayor Kenneth Craig. “It makes sense to close this area off.”

The recently-formed pier safety ad hoc committee has met twice since its formation. Reviewing existing data and researching information, the committee is preparing to provide a practical approach for the future usage of the north and south piers by all users for council’s recommendation.

Councillor Rory Cavanagh, who sits on the committee as council’s representative, said he is confident in the ongoing work that he and his peers are doing.

“The piers and our lakefront are well-visited destinations in the community,” he said. “We need to work together to review the usage of these areas. That means the co-operation of the community to avoid the area, and the public’s patience as we take the time to make concise recommendations.”

Dr. Chris Houser of the University of Waterloo also presented an update on the Smart Beach program at Wednesday’s council meeting. Data from this program will be a part of the committee’s considerations.

“Until the pier safety ad hoc committee comes back with actions, we thought it best to close the area,” said Craig. “Please, respect this closure and do not access the area.”