By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Preliminary work to upgrade a section of breakwall in Wallaceburg’s river basin is set to begin.
Chatham-Kent council approved the Sydenham Fork Breakwall Assessment project in the consent agenda at a recent meeting, awarding the $414,337 contract to Delta Science and Engineering Inc.
According to a staff report, the area to be assessed is located between the Lord Selkirk Bridge and the forks where the north and east branches of the Sydenham River meet.
The project includes inspecting approximately 800 metres of breakwall and 650 metres of pedestrian infrastructure in the designated area, as well as the camera inspection of all adjacent storm and sanitary sewers.
The assessment project is in line with Wallaceburg South Side Secondary Plan, which council approved in 2024. The plan is a co-ordinated revitalization along the banks of the Sydenham, and its proposed improvements include the extension of breakwalls as part of enhancements to improve parkland and pedestrian areas.
“The findings from these inspections will guide future rehabilitation or replacement projects and budgeting processes, to plan for the detailed design and necessary capital lifecycle improvements,” the report said, and will help guide the “planning for the park space on the south side of the shoreline,” as set out in the south-side plan.
The work will also include additional studies and investigations such as geotechnical, archaeological, and natural heritage assessments, as well as bathymetric and topographic surveys.
Starting immediately, the assessment is expected to conclude in August.
Delta was the lowest of three bids submitted to the municipality in the request for proposal project.
Consultation with First Nations and other government stakeholders will be carried out as part of the assessment.
Funding for the project is coming through the capital budget process.
