Spring flooding damaged Bryson’s boat launch and docks, prompting the MRC Pontiac and Municipality of Bryson to seek funding options for repairs to the popular Ottawa River access point and the adjoining park.
High water levels during the flooding in late April washed away parts of the dock infrastructure, including part of a concrete strip used to secure a mobile dock, which held a large metal flagpole. The concrete boat ramp also sank, leaving a steep drop-off into the water.
Bryson mayor Joanne Ralston said the grassy area around the dock, known as the Leo Piché Park, also experienced significant erosion.
“There was quite a bit of erosion that was done in the park itself, and the side of the ground that goes in the water. The rock and the slope and all that, that’s gone,” Ralston said, estimating that about a quarter of the concrete strip as well as the flagpole remain submerged in the water as they are too heavy to remove without heavy machinery.
Stéphanie Hébert-Potter, tourism officer for the MRC Pontiac, said the MRC discovered the damage to the concrete strip during routine inspections at the end of May. She said information about the boat launch itself collapsing only came out during an MRC waterways committee meeting on June 9.
Following this meeting, the MRC announced on June 12 that the docks and boat launch would be closed indefinitely until repairs can be made.
The boat launch and dock infrastructure are owned by the MRC Pontiac, while the adjacent Leo Piché Park is municipal property.
The docks are a popular destination during the summer months for pleasurecrafters, fishermen, swimmers and more. Ralston said it’s not uncommon to see dozens of vehicles parked by the water during busy long weekends.
“It’s big-time disappointing,” Ralston said of the damage. “How long is it going to take for us to be able to repair it? Cost-wise, can insurance come in? Are there other grants with the federal government?”
Hébert-Potter said there had been no prior sign of significant wear on the concrete beyond normal wear and tear. “This was an unforeseen issue,” she said, adding that the MRC is looking at funding opportunities through various sources to repair the dock as soon as possible.
“We’re looking at all possibilities and avenues to get it reinstated,” she said.
As for the park, Ralston said the municipality is focused on trying to save what they have left of the grassy area. She said the municipality will look at various flood mitigation measures, while also exploring potential funding options to pay for repairs.
“[We’re] looking to see if there’s anything following flooding that can help the municipality when they lose a park or that type of infrastructure,” she said.
Ralston said she is concerned erosion and degradation of infrastructure are going to be regular problems as water levels rise across the Ottawa River watershed and extreme flooding events become more common.
“The sides of our river shores have become fragile right now because of all the flooding, so more and more is going to get washed away. That’s my concern,” she said.
“Assessments are underway, and reopening will depend on the completion of repairs as well as the required authorizations from various government ministries,” read the June 12 announcement from the MRC.
Boat launch users are encouraged to visit the municipal dock on L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet (274 ch. des Outaouais) or the Campbell’s Bay dock (2 rue Second).
