Norway Bay pier to close indefinitely Outaouais

Deborah Powell

Bristol Council officially announced the indefinite closure of the Norway Bay pier at their monthly meeting on March 4 due to the pier’s deteriorated condition. The decision was based on the findings of the final report from W.F. Baird and Associates Coastal Engineers, the company mandated to study the structure and make recommendations for action, backed by the recommendation of the municipality's insurance provider.

70-some-odd years of wear and tear over the seasons have taken a toll on the sheet pile structure. Ice erosion has worn it paper thin overall, 30-50 cm down from the waterline, with holes ranging from small to large cavities. Over $30,000 has already been spent for the engineering report and the onsite, underwater inspection by ODS Marine Construction, carried out last December. The estimated cost of repair is 3 to 6 million dollars, depending on which option is chosen.

A motion was passed at the council meeting to establish a pier committee to examine repair and funding options. Mayor Brent Orr said he had already met with MLA André Fortin to advise him of the situation and inquire into possible sources for financial aid.

Due to the pier closure, boat docks traditionally installed on the west side of the pier will not be available for use this summer, but the boat launch will remain open.

Some summer swimming lessons in jeopardy

The Norway Bay Municipal Association (NBMA), the volunteer organization that organizes six weeks of recreational programs every summer, is faced with making an urgent decision regarding the deep-water programs that use the swim docks installed annually on the east side of the pier. While it is possible that an alternative set-up could be found, time is running short for both planning and seeking funding for what would be a multi-year solution.

"All other programs, including canoe-kayak, field sports, crafts, musical theatre and swimming lessons from the beach are on!", assured NBMA President Pat Byrne while emphasizing that the association is working diligently to find a solution for deep-water swimming. "It's for our swim program that we maintain and install the swim docks with municipal support, but use of the docks goes well beyond our immediate community to be enjoyed by all visitors from near and far", he added.

Photo caption: Norway Bay pier will be closed indefinitely due to structural challenges. The boat launch will remain open. 

Photo credit: Deborah Powell