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Beacon Wharf Replacement

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The Town has been looking into future options for Beacon Wharf as the structure is estimated to have a remaining life of less than 10 years. Following engineering studies on potential wharf replacement options, the public was invited during September and October 2021 to review options and share their perspectives. There was strong community engagement reflecting the significance of the landmark.

On November 8th 2021, Council decided to maintain Beacon Wharf for as long as practical. A condition assessment of the wharf will be undertaken in 2023, at which point Council will consider next steps. The proposed option of a public-private partnership on a floating wharf will no longer be considered. 

The existing commercial leases on the wharf will be extended until the end of 2024 with the potential of further extensions. 

On this page:

Public Engagement

Planning for the future of Beacon Wharf is an important process that has been shaped by feedback from the community. These are the steps that were taken to share information and gather public perspectives:

  • Beacon Wharf Replacement Survey
    A survey was open from September 9th to October 15th, 2021. Staff are analyzing the feedback received. A summary will be posted online and presented to Council later this fall.
  • Engagement Sessions
    Two well-attended engagement sessions including 3D models of three different replacement options were held at Beacon Park in September. An evening drop-in session took place in October. Information boards presented at the engagement sessions can be viewed here.
  • Beacon Wharf Special Edition of Town Talk
    A special edition of Town Talk dedicated entirely to the Beacon Wharf Replacement project  was published in September and included the community survey

Background Information

Beacon Wharf is a timber structure which has been in place for over 50 years. The Town of Sidney took ownership of Beacon Wharf in 2006 after it was divested by the Federal Government. The infrastructure is aging and, like all waterfront marine structures, requires frequent inspection and maintenance. The wharf has required a number of repairs in recent years in order to remain serviceable and is believed to have a remaining life of 7 to 8 more years.

Timeline

  • c. 1960: Current version of Beacon Wharf built
  • 2006: Town of Sidney assumes ownership of Beacon Wharf
  • 2010: Engineering condition assessment undertaken and repairs are recommended
  • 2012: Recommended repairs completed
  • 2018: Engineering inspection undertaken:
    • Recommends that the Town conduct 3 surveys (Depth, Geotechnical, Environmental)
    • Recommends repairs
  • 2020: Beacon Wharf Surveys & Feasibility Study presented to Council
  • 2020: Recommended repairs completed – expected to extend Wharf life for 7 – 8 more years

 

Beacon Wharf Select Committee

In 2020, Council established the Beacon Wharf Select Committee to review options for replacing, or removing and not replacing, Beacon Wharf. The Committee was tasked with reviewing the issues and developing an action plan for feasible options based on the results of the review. The Committee completed its review and submitted a final report to Council at the July 12, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting.

For more information and additional background materials, visit the Beacon Wharf Select Committee page.

Key Documents

  • Staff Report on Beacon Wharf Survey Results and Recommendations for Future Planning
    Staff report that presents the Beacon Wharf Surveys and Feasibility Study and considers future options for the wharf.
  • Staff Report on Beacon Wharf Surveys & Feasibility Study
    Staff report that presents the Beacon Wharf Surveys and Feasibility Study and considers future options for the wharf.
  • Beacon Wharf Surveys & Feasibility Study
    Depth, geotechnical and environment surveys were combined with a feasibility study to consider several new wharf options.
  • Beacon Wharf Floating Replacement Assessment
    The report includes information on an existing pontoon, a high level concept design of the pontoon as a wharf replacement, a high level cost estimate, and life cycle analyses for several potential wharf replacement options.
  • Select Committee's Final Report on Recommended Options for Consideration
    The Beacon Wharf Select Committee was tasked with reviewing options for replacing - or removing and not replacing - Beacon Wharf. Their final report makes a recommendation to Council on the short-listed options for replacement of Beacon Wharf. It will be presented to the Committee of the Whole on July 12, 2021.