A section of Riverview Walkway will be closed as of Monday as the Town of St. Marys begins work to make the West Quarry a safer space for the public to enjoy.
The walkway between the racket courts and St. Maria Street will be off limits for roughly five weeks. Two nearby public parking lots will also be closed to accommodate construction equipment.
The West Quarry Enhancements Project, done in partnership with Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation (TOARC), will improve site safety, remove invasive species, and prepare for future passive recreational use. The planned work includes the removal of waste concrete and steel, and the chain link fence along the west edge of the site. Overgrowth, invasive species, and unhealthy trees will also be removed. An arborist inspection lists 26 healthy trees to be retained and any tree that is removed will be replaced at a three-to-one ratio within St. Marys, the town has reassured.
For safety, wooden fencing, armour stone, and signage will be installed where the shoreline is steep to limit water access.
“We are excited to work with TOARC to remove some of the existing hazards in this space and create an open and inviting space that residents and visitors will enjoy,” said Director of Public Works Jed Kelly.
The work is expected to be completed before swimming season at the quarry begins on June 26.
