King's Landing repairs needed following spring ice surge

The City of North Bay confirms King’s Landing suffered damage to structural and non-structural timber elements of the dock during this past spring's ice melt, limiting access to pedestrian traffic only after the City closed the wharf to vehicles in late March as a precautionary measure.

A staff report recommends North Bay City Council approves a nearly $95,000 contract to 1686250 Ontario Inc. for the repair work necessary to restore vehicular traffic on the dock following the spring ice pileup from Lake Nipissing. A structural assessment was conducted by a licensed structural engineer to identify what work is necessary to restore vehicular use according to the weight restrictions in place prior to the spring ice event.

"Prevailing northwest winds during the melt pushed the ice sheet up against longitudinal timber bracing between crib frames and onto the dock. The pressure of the ice against the timber caused significant damage to these elements," reads the report. "The ice movement also pulled the spikes used to connect structural elements out of their seats along a 110-foot section of the wharf further compromising the integrity of the structure."

Until repairs are completed to the dock, staff estimates it will cost up to $25,000 for alternate arrangements to provide septic, fuelling, and accessibility services for the tenants of King's Landing, including the Chief Commanda II and its ticket stall. King's Landing must also be repaired and maintained to provide fire protection services and access to tenants of the wharf.

The Chief Commanda II sets sail this summer after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out its 2020 season.

The report acknowledges this is a temporary solution to allow for traffic along the wharf this summer and beyond. Council has been debating whether to rebuild or replace King's Landing for years.

See also: Brace yourselves, King's Landing presentations are coming

And: Council committee recommends completing environmental assessment of King's Landing

"The repairs will return King’s Landing to its pre-damaged state. This should not be construed as a permanent rehabilitation of the dock but rather a repair that will allow it to continue to function to meet the needs of an important tourist attraction at the North Bay Waterfront until such time that a permanent rehabilitation can be undertaken."

Two quotes were received by the City and the bid of $94,970 from 1686250 Ontario Inc. was the lowest and deemed to provide the best overall value, according to the report.