A deteriorating part of a boat launch in the city’s east end will likely be replaced.
Coun. Rob Kloostra asked staff in June to look into the feasibility of repairing or replacing the west side of the boat launch at the end of Collins Drive, at the northern tip of Lake Simcoe.
The concrete slabs on that side of the launch “are deteriorating and have areas with deep depressions that are posing safety and potential liability concerns,” staff wrote in a report.
Because of those issues and the depth of the lake, staff noted, many people “submerge their vehicles up to the door panels prior to reaching a safe depth for launching their watercraft.”
“It is recommended that the west side launch be replaced with a new concrete slab or plank design that will extend further into the lake. Prior to this occurring, dredging of the area to increase the depth of water level would be recommended where the pre-formed concrete would be placed.”
Staff recommended a request to replace the west side of the launch be presented for consideration during upcoming budget discussions. Council committee approved that recommendation.
“We need to encourage recreational boating in our area as much as we can,” Kloostra said.
Because the project would involve work being done in Lake Simcoe, provincial and federal approval would be required.
