Landing not fit for a King

King's Landing (formerly The Government Dock) was topic of discussion during Monday night's regular meeting of North Bay City Council.

Council approved the completion of the temporary 2012 remedial works for King's Landing at an estimated cost of $25,000 and will undertake a cost analysis to explore alternative options to the existing King's Landing Wharf.

A preliminary review has revealed that the structure is in major need of repair.

The landmark location predates North Bay's Waterfront Park and is home to the Chief Commanda and many fishing stories.

However, there was some talk of removing the dock and the Chief Commanda.

Included in the 'dock talk' was the notion of getting rid of the decaying wood structure and putting in a stronger concrete or stone base.

Council also considered adding a few small commercial like properties to generate more interest to the area.

These ideas give council some leeway for planning and taking suggestions as to what City officials and the community at large would like to see in the dock's developing future.

In the report, it is indicated that it will cost $2.5 million to repair King's Landing and Marina.

During the meeting, Councillor Lawlor balked at spending the money to maintain the structure, noting that other than the Chief Commanda and the fisherman who occasionally frequent the area, there's not many activities that are pending on having the dock remain where it is.

“So, we want to look at all the options before we go ahead and make a decision of spending any more money”, says Lawlor.

In the summer of 2011, the City hired the firm of Engineered Management System (EMS) to complete a comprehensive inspection of the City wharf.

The review included both above and below water inspections.

It included recommendations for immediate closure of one portion of the wharf, identified a 10 year capital investment plan to rehabilitate the wharf to safe conditions, and an annual maintenance plan.

It also recommended the removal of the City owned boat house at the wharf due to it deteriorating condition.

A concrete section of the wharf has since been closed to operations as recommended by the report because of the potential for collapse.

This area does not directly impact the operations of the Chief Commanda.

Also, the furthest sections of the wooden structure of the wharf will be restricted from vehicle traffic.

With expected remedial works totaling $2,500,000 over a ten year period, council thinks that it would be prudent for the City to investigate possible alternatives and solutions.

One such possibility would be constructing a new pier in a different location, possibly closer to the Chief Commanda 1.

The existing wharf might then be converted into a proper break wall for the Marina to help avoid silt deposits.

When asked if council foresaw the repairs and maintenance costs at an earlier date Chair of Community Services, Councillor Sean Lawlor, said that it's not an uncommon approach for the city.

“We're always looking at our infrastructure, looking forward and seeing what needs to be invested,” he says.

“We've got a unique piece of infrastructure, that being a dock and just like everything else, it requires investment to maintain.”

The project, part of the King's Landing and Marina Rehabilitation Program, would begin in 2012 and be completed in 2021.

Funds for this study would be made available through the 2011 King's Landing Capital Project and the King's Landing Reserve Fund.

Council expects to review the completed report before the next budget process.