Two sections of the North Shore trail are closed for repair

Scheduled spring maintenance of the waterfront is underway in the Town of Saugeen Shores, with additional work required to the North Shore Trail due to heavy wind and rainfall.

Two sections of the paved trail have experienced significant erosion damage and will be closed until repair is complete.

                                                photos by Sandy Lindsay

“At this time we are not sure when the sections of trail will re-open” said Amanda Froese, Director, Infrastructure and Development. “The closed sections will require considerable work. Trail users should use caution in these areas, and yield to vehicles, obey traffic laws when moving around the closed sections” added Froese.

                                                                Miramichi Bay
                                        Trees have also lost their ‘footing’

In addition to the trail damage, numerous complaints of debris and fallen fencing/posts and rope have been reported. Town staff are currently investigating the damage along the waterfront, and have begun regularly scheduled spring maintenance of the Town’s shoreline.

The Port Elgin Main Beach dunes and dune grass have also been reported to be damaged during heavy wind and rain.

“The dunes protected the infrastructure (promenade) in the area during the high water level, and will rejuvenate as the water level lowers again” said Jayne Jagelewski, Director, Community Services. Adding “Our beaches are constantly evolving. The sand dunes did their job, as they were meant to, and the dunes and grass will rejuvenate themselves as water recedes”.

Staff continue to clean up from the significant wind and rain as part of their regularly scheduled spring clean up. The entire waterfront, including access points to the beach, are being evaluated and maintained as per the Saugeen Shores Beach Maintenance Plan.