City Moves Forward with Shore Protection at Victoria Park
Posted on 10/23/2024
The City of Charlottetown is taking important steps to protect the Victoria Park shoreline from future storm damage.
City Council has approved a resolution to award the construction tender for the Victoria Park Shore Protection Project to J.E. Matheson Construction for $1,149,720, with an additional $46,948 for engineering services. Funding for the project has been secured through the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) and was included in the City’s 2024-25 capital budget.
The section of the park’s shoreline from Brighton Road to the south of the median will be reinforced with granite stone, replacing the existing sandstone which has eroded significantly over time. This enhancement will provide long-term protection of the shore and adjacent infrastructure (i.e., boardwalk, roadway, swimming pool, playground and neighbouring properties), ensuring the park remains a safe and enjoyable space for residents and visitors.
“Victoria Park is a vital part of our community,” said Councillor Mitchell Tweel, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Leisure Activities Committee. “By making this investment, we are not only protecting the park’s infrastructure but also ensuring that future generations can enjoy it safely.”
The project has been in the planning stages since the shoreline was first assessed after a 2020 storm surge. In 2022, the City applied for funding through the CCBF and received confirmation of eligibility on December 19, 2022. While the project was delayed in 2023 due to limited staff capacity, City Council was informed that work would move forward in 2024.
The City engaged the services of Coles Associates Ltd. to assess the initial damage and develop a plan to complete the boardwalk repairs. Coles Associates Ltd. also completed the design and tender documents, and will oversee the project management. Construction is expected to begin in November and be substantially completed by Dec. 31, 2024.
Investing in infrastructure and mitigating the effects of climate change is part of the City’s strategic plan to build a community for everyone.