We are pleased to say that construction at Brown’s Bay Beach & Picnic Area is at 99% completion!
The washrooms and changerooms are nearly finished. On the building’s exterior, the natural cedar soffit is progressing and the fiberglass-reinforced concrete siding, which will stand up to the elements along the riverfront, is almost completely installed. Inside, the beautiful cedar ceiling is installed throughout, the toilets are hung, and the handwashing sinks and wudu station are installed. Changeroom benches will follow, as will outdoor showers. In the canteen, the counter frames have all been welded and placed before the epoxy floor is applied.
Around the perched beach, a drainage swale has been added and concrete steps now lead to the water. Near the playground and the building, forming is in place to pour the concrete deck and base for a shade sail.
Once construction of the building is complete, water testing will begin. As the water treatment system has sat dormant for nearly 18 months, it is expected the process will include multiple rounds of testing before the water can be declared safe for drinking. Since this could take several weeks, potable water may not be available immediately when the washroom, changeroom and canteen building opens.
The park is currently open on weekends, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests to the park can enjoy relaxing by the water, swimming, playing at the playground, boat launch, and the new perched beach area in addition to the natural beach area to the east. At the perched beach, two new barrier-free entry ramps into the water have been added at the shoreline. Picnic tables and barbecues are available throughout the park greenspace. Construction in the park is anticipated to be fully completed in August 2023.
To maximize the enjoyment of this newly revitalized park, St. Lawrence Parks Commission is extending the season this year at Brown’s Bay.
Regular updates will continue to be provided on the revitalization project.
