KAWARTHA LAKES-An Archaeological Assessment is currently underway on the Bobcaygeon Beach Park redevelopment.
” Staff continue to work with consultants and specialists including Curve Lake First Nation, Kawartha Region Conservation Authority and Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon, regarding the completion of the redevelopment project. An archaeological assessment is currently underway as per requirements associated with projects of this nature.” Jenn Johnson, Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture told Kawartha 411.
Until that assessment is complete some of the work on the redevelopment cannot continue. Sources say this assessment is required for all projects of this nature before constructions begins.
The City of Kawartha Lakes says the Coronavirus pandemic forced work to suddenly stop on the project a few weeks ago.
“The Bobcaygeon Beach Park Redevelopment project is currently experiencing a pause as a result of COVID-19.” said the City in an update on its website on May 5th. “In light of the most recent Stay-at-Home order, and with the health and safety of construction staff and the community in mind, a decision was made to interrupt the work occurring onsite.” said the City on it’s website.
Construction continues uninterrupted on the Lindsay and the Fenelon Falls downtown reconstruction. New construction started this week on the Mill Pond bridge in Omemee. Ryan Cowieson, Communications Officer with the City told Kawartha 411 those projects are considered essential, Beach park is not.
The Government of Ontario says essential construction is any construction funded by the municipality.
This is the excerpt from the government website:
“Construction
As of April 17, all non-essential workplaces in the construction sector will be closed, with only essential construction permitted to operate. Examples of non-essential sites may include shopping malls, hotels and office towers.
Residential construction and critical infrastructure projects such as new hospitals, roads and bridges will continue.
Essential construction
Construction activities or projects and related services (including land surveying and demolition services) are essential if they:
- are funded in whole or in part by:
- the Crown in right of Canada or in right of Ontario
- an agency of the Crown in right of Canada or in right of Ontario
- a municipality”
On April 7th the Ontario government declared a third state of emergency and another stay-at-home order.
The City says staff continue to complete administrative tasks associated with the project to ensure that the redevelopment will be completed on time.
“The re-opening date of Bobcaygeon Beach Park is set for Spring 2022 and remains on schedule at this time.” said the web update.
Completed project activities to date include, completion of all site servicing, including sanitary, water and electrical conduit being 50% complete. Boat dock anchors, bridge abutments and the pedestrian bridge are in place.
The newly reconstructed maintenance building is underway with the slab excavation, concrete floating slab, underfloor piping, conduit and block walls completed. The main washroom building has had excavation for building footings along with having the concrete footings and concrete walls poured. Block walls and underfloor piping and conduit have also been completed according to the City.
“We look forward to working with all of the parties involved to complete the assessment and we are excited to have this project completed on schedule in 2022.” Councillor Kathleen Seymour Fagan told Kawartha 411 News.
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2022.
