Windsor's Sandpoint Beach will stay closed until the swimming portion of the shoreline can be relocated consistent with the Masterplan that was originally proposed.
There's been nine drowning deaths at the beach since it opened in 1980. Relocating the swimming access to the east end of the property is expected to reduce the risk of swimmers entering the hazardous areas where there's a steep underwater drop-off adjacent to the shipping channel.
"We know that that area, where the beach is today, is just dangerous. It is just dangerous," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. "What council said is we do want to relocate this beach, we do want to follow the masterplan which will see a beach open but keep the beach closed until such time as we're actually prepared to move forward."
A timeframe for the project has not been finalized.
To date, there is $4.6 million in the city's capital budget for the Sandpoint Beach Masterplan. At the beginning of 2025, the total project was estimated to be $15 million.
"It's great news, great news as far as moving forward to making that beach just the gem it should be," said Councillor Angelo Marignani.
Another $1.5 million has been allocated for a splashpad and new playground feature at the beach.
