A total redevelopment project of the Elliot Lake boat launch and boardwalk could be on the water by next summer, according to the city’s Economic Development Coordinator Ashten Vlahovich.
“We’re looking at an estimated final cost of $853,950,” she said of estimated costs associated with the project.
The city has applied for grants from the provincial and federal governments that would see the city’s “potential contribution here would be $105,000,” she added, pointing out that the city money is already in place.
Applications for funding have been sent out to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and the Trillium Foundation as part of the provincial grant applications and FedNor which is a northern development agency of the federal government.
Council has approved a $229,617 contract from Kropf Industrial Inc. to undertake the floating boardwalk work.
The redevelopment would see replacement of the boardwalk with a floating boardwalk with the potential for adding on a 50-meter pier, revamped parking and landscaping, the boat launches and marine docking for boats.
“The boardwalk replacement project is aimed at improving access to the Elliot Lake waterfront being inclusive in all,” a report on the project to council stated. “Implementation is intended for summer 2018. If funding attempts are successful this project will align with future development of the area including a fishing pier, marina docking and parking for development.”
The work would also make the facility fully handicapped accessible, a requirement that is part of the application process and fits in with the overall needs of residents.
When it was brought to council recently, several councillors indicated project organizers should also consider including the former MNR property adjacent to the boat launch property for additional parking and access to the redevelopment. Councillors also raised concern about closure of the current boat launch while work is being done.
“The comments made at council are noted by staff and we’re going to work with what we have,” Vlahovich said.
If council decides to incorporate the MNR property as part of the redevelopment, “we will work with that,” Vlahovich added.
On the question of temporary closure of the boat launch, Vlahovich said a temporary boat launch would be considered.
Vlahovich credits the initial idea for redevelopment with resident Tom Turner who was a member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
“The idea for the waterfront project was initially from volunteer member Tom Turner,” she said, referring to the initial idea put forward about three years ago. “It’s been evolving since then.”
Vlahovich is hoping decisions on the funding applications will come out early next year.
Overall the intent of the project is to enhance lake access, give better proximity to walking, hiking and ATV trails and better access for those using the nearby trailer park in the summer.
Work is expected to get underway by the summer.