Kincardine needs quality paved pathways for foot traffic, says reader

To the Editor:

In recent weeks, I've read a few articles about the Kincardine boardwalk, so I'm gonna chime in as well and give my view. 
To promote the boardwalk as being one of Kincardine's gems, a crown jewel, is not how I would describe it.

Those who live in Kincardine year-round and enjoy the view our lake offers or walking along the shore during the winter, will know what I'm saying. 

The boardwalk is now 35 years old and it's showing it's age. The rotten boards and nails popping up makes the south boardwalk dangerous to use. With the dunes and overgrowth, this section of the boardwalk offers a terrible view of Lake Huron which IS our crown jewel.

The north section of boardwalk is an elevated danger for many. A raised, narrow walk with two-by-four bump rails on the sides is not only dangerous for those using it, it also creates a challenge for when two strollers, scooters or cyclists meet head-on, not to mention those with walking and balance issues.

It's also polluting the great view of the lake on that side. When sitting in the parking lot or in one of the two parks on either side, the boardwalk sticks out like a sore thumb, ruining the view. 

It's difficult to keep a boardwalk clean of ice and snow and because of that, the walk is closed during the winter months. Once the ice and snow drifts cover the boardwalk, only able-bodied individuals can enjoy Kincardine's famous “gem.” 

A network of quality paved pathways, which would allow foot traffic to access our lakefront, grocery stores, hospital, drugstore, restaurants, etc., would improve the lives and health of many in Kincardine.

I ask everyone who is able to walk along our streets and walkways, that run along Kincardine's shoreline from Kingsway to Bruce Avenue, and see for yourself what has happened to our view of Lake Huron. 

Rick Orr
Ripley/Kincardine