The Municipality of Kincardine Council has closed both the north and south piers at Station Beach until March 1st, 2024.
Temporary barriers have been installed to restrict access, prioritizing safety.
Mayor Kenneth Craig emphasized the decision, stating, "Wave action on Lake Huron is at its highest over the coming months, and anyone who's been within sight of the piers will have seen those cold winter waters crashing over them. It makes sense to close this area off."
A newly established Pier Safety Ad-Hoc Committee is reviewing existing data and conducting research, with a goal of proposing a practical approach for the future use of the piers, with recommendations to be presented to the Council at a later date.
Councillor Rory Cavanagh, the Council representative on the committee, expressed confidence in their ongoing efforts, acknowledging the significance of the piers and lakefront as popular community destinations.
"We need to work together to review the usage of these areas. That means the cooperation of the community to avoid the area and their patience as we take the time to make concise recommendations," he said.
Dr. Chris Houser from the University of Waterloo provided an update on the Smart Beach program during the Council meeting on December 14. The data collected through this program will contribute to the committee's considerations.
"Until the Pier Safety Ad-Hoc Committee comes back with actions, we thought it best to close the area. Please, respect this closure and do not access the area," said Mayor Craig.