If you’ve walked along the boardwalk at the Port of Orillia in the past several days, you might be surprised to see a mini waterside construction project.
Some people took to social media, saying they were aghast to see the wooden structure rising up beside the boardwalk.
But fear not, Orillians!
The new fishing pier is being assembled by the shore out of convenience. Once it's completed, it will be floated into place at the end of the Centennial Park Pier, where the familiar Island Princess docks.
The new fishing pier was approved during last year’s budget deliberations.
At that time, councillors learned that anglers had been using the fishing pier at Centennial Park, near the Orillia Waterfront Centre, since about 1980.
However, that pier “has reached the end of its lifespan,” John McMullen, the city’s manager of parks, said then.
With that in mind, city staff fished around for a new location and, ultimately, decided it would be best to construct a new pier at the end of the Centennial Park dock used by the Island Princess.
“The location of the new fishing pier will be visible from the downtown and located far enough from the marina to not interfere with other boat traffic,” McMullen told city councillors.
McMullen said the proposed new location was discussed with members of the Orillia Fish and Game Club, the operator of the Island Princess, the manager of the Port of Orillia and others. “They were all supportive of the idea,” said McMullen.
“We did consult with the Orillia Fish and Game Club and we did some informal consultation with anglers (we) met (during the process) and the end of that dock is already a popular fishing location,” said McMullen. “Our research (indicates) the fishing is probably, at the least, equivalent, but it’s a preferred location with less congestive boat traffic there.”
