Donald
Teuma-CastellettI
FORT WILLIAM July 22, 2017
Fundraising for a secure, stable and attractive dock in Fort William continued last weekend, when the Hotel Pontiac held a rib fest in support of the cause.
The Sheenboro Dock Committee looks to be putting the final touches on their goals through this feast, a project that’s been years in the making and worth $65,000.
Replacing an old, worn-down wooden dock, extended beyond the concrete pier and boat launch at Fort William, this new dock is meant to be much more sturdy and resistant to Mother Nature and the weathering of time.

With the anchorage, a ramp and the basic dock in place, the final leg remains in more expansion for it, allowing for greater stability and more boats to reside at it.
“It’s gorgeous,” said Jerry Muldoon, chairman of the Sheenboro Dock Committee, of the area. “So we want to attract people to it, to show it off.”
Muldoon explained that the new dock is meant to compliment the Ottawa River, and make the area attractive to those coming by water. As well, with the final touches, the dock will be more stable for the elderly walking on it and allow more room for injuries sustained out on the water to be attended to.
The design intelligence and materials used were credited to resident and committee volunteer Duane MacDougall, who has extensive experience with dock repairs and maintenance. Muldoon highlighted that his expertise was beyond value, as it’s hands-on and applied.
“I love it,” said MacDougall, just arriving from off the water. “It’s flexible, suiting the needs for the area.”
MacDougall explained that the blocks used for the dock can be rearranged as needed, allowing for a wider or longer dock, and the addition of more slips. As well, it becomes suitable to different needs, whether it be firefighting on one of the islands, performing various ecological and biological studies, as well as accommodating contractors. On top of this, with changing water levels from the local dams, it’s not necessary for someone to rush out and change the dock height throughout the season.
This year marks the fourth year of fundraising for the dock, as the work is meant to last. Some pieces, such as the ramp down to it, cost $6,500 alone. A grant was awarded to the committee to finish the project, but the difficulty for them came in raising the necessary funds to match it.
The Rib Fest, Muldoon said, is awesome for getting people to Fort William, where they see just how beautiful the area is and want to return. Taking home half of the $25 ticket price for the dinner, plus additional donations, has been crucial for their success.
“The Rib Fest gets people here,” said Muldoon. “Then they see what they’re supporting and donate more.”