By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Construction of Erieau’s new accessible kayak launch is about to begin.
At its Sept. 14 meeting, Chatham-Kent council awarded the $266,244 contract to Westhoek Construction Ltd. to build the new structure.
According a staff report, the launch will be located at the end of Third Street on the bayside of Lake Erie. Earlier plans for a second launch in the community have been scrapped.
In the works for the past three years, council allocated $255,000 in 2024 for the build.
However, thanks to the municipality’s $555,000 sale of Erieau’s fire lanes, the entire cost of the launch will be covered by the land sale.
In speaking to the matter, C-K head of engineering and infrastructure Edward Soldo said construction will take approximately 10 weeks and will be completed in time for next year’s summer paddling season.
South Kent councillors Anthony Ceccacci and Ryan Doyle both spoke to the issue, stressing they want to ensure money left over from the fire lane sale goes towards additional recreational amenities in Erieau.
