Cobourg, ON (August 23, 2024)– The Town of Cobourg would like to advise residents that the reconstruction of the waterfront boardwalk will begin September 3, 2024.  

The Town of Cobourg’s waterfront boardwalk, which spans from Ontario Street to Hibernia Street, including north-south connections to Ontario Street, Bagot Street, and Durham Street, was constructed over 15 years ago. The current boardwalk has been determined to be at the end of its service life and Council approved its reconstruction in 2023.

Following community consultation, including a survey and public meeting, staff presented a report to Council in July of 2023 with recommendations for the boardwalk’s replacement. Council approved the new boardwalk to be constructed using pressure treated wood materials for the decking and recycled plastic/composite materials for the substructure. The new boardwalk will be constructed at-grade (non-elevated) and will be widened to 4m to meet the recommendations provided by the Town of Cobourg Accessibility Advisory Committee.

To reduce costs, the boardwalk will be constructed by Town staff at the Public Works yard and installed in sections The reconstruction process will commence on September 3, 2024, with the closure of the boardwalk, removal of the old boardwalk, removal of vegetation, and new installation progressing as time permits until the spring of 2025. During this time, the boardwalk is expected to be fenced off for safety and signage will be posted. The Town will notify residents once the boardwalk is re-opened for public enjoyment.

Protection of Native Vegetation:
Through the design process, an environmental impact assessment was conducted that identified native vegetation that should be transplanted out of the construction zone. In the fall of 2023, under the supervision of Beacon Environmental, vegetation was moved just outside of the construction area, near their original location, but providing enough distance for protection during construction. In the coming weeks, Town staff will conduct the removal of the remaining vegetation within the construction zone. The fall is the best time to remove this vegetation when plants are becoming dormant, and birds are not within their nesting season.

For questions about the waterfront boardwalk replacement project, please contact the Town of Cobourg Public Works Division at 905-372-9971.