Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of St. Catharines has launched the Sunset Beach Renewal Project, to enhance one of the area’s most popular recreation areas and bring the Sunset Beach Community Vision to life.
In 2019, the city completed the Sunset Beach Community Vision study, establishing a long-term framework for future improvements. The Sunset Beach Renewal Project aims to protect, restore, and enhance this popular waterfront property while preserving its unique character and natural assets.
Dillon Consulting Ltd. is currently completing background studies and beginning the design process.
Construction is expected to begin in the winter of 2024/25 and continue until completion in 2026/27. The construction will be phased so that the park can remain in operation throughout the process, however, some areas will be restricted to allow for construction work. Key objectives include ensuring safe access to park amenities, greenspace, the beach, shoreline, and water access.
Recognizing the aging facilities at Sunset Beach, the project will focus on updating and enhancing the recreational area to meet current standards. This effort comes in response to challenges such as fluctuating water levels, extreme weather events, and increased recreational demands from a growing population.
Phase one of the project will include improvements to the parking lot, reconstruction of the existing boat ramp and shoreline protection efforts. Phase two will include improving existing park amenities such as trails and picnic tables and replacing the playground structure.
The project was a grant from the Province of Ontario through the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF).