Reported by Chatham Daily News: The 420-foot-long pier that juts out into Rondeau Bay won’t be enjoyed any time soon by the thousands of people who visit this popular destination. The harsh winter and thick ice on Rondeau Bay has caused extensive damage to the structure, (Save The Pier Petition LINK) which is now closed indefinitely, said Jolanta Kowalski, senior media relations officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
“The pressure and the ice damaged the supports and also damaged the pier decking too,” she said.
She added the wood pilings have been split and been pushed out of alignment.
Kowalski said the MNR has hired a structural engineering firm to assess the damage and report on its extent. She said the MNR will use that information to make short and long-term decisions about the pier.
When asked if the pier could be repaired by the busy summer season at the park, Kowalski said, “No, it wouldn’t be possible.”
She’s been told the the damage is fairly extensive and there’s no way to have the repairs completed by that time.
“It won’t be usable by the summer,” she added.
Kowalski didn’t want to speculate when repairs to the pier will be completed before the MNR receives a report from structural engineer firm.
“We should have that (report) in a few weeks,” she added.
There is also no estimate on what it will cost to repair.
A metal gate extends across the pier with an announcement that it is closed until further notice.
“The damage is visible . . . so we don’t want anyone going on that pier while it’s closed,” Kowalski said.
She said the pier was built in the early 1970s, noting, “that’s a pretty long lifespan for a pier that’s been sitting in the water (that long).”
According the MNR records, some repair work was completed on the pilings in 1991.
The pier is a focal point of the provincial park with many people swimming and fishing off of it, along with those who enjoy just taking a stroll on it.
RONDEAU PEIR
– Pier is 420 feet long.
– Built in 1970s with one major repair completed pilings in 1991.
– Damage from ice has split wood pilings (supports) and pushed them out of alignment. Decking of pier also damaged.
– Engineering report on damage to pier expected in a few weeks.
– Pier will remain closed indefinitely.