Director of Operations and Protective Services Tarmo Uukkivvi was before Huntsville Council’s General Committee meeting on March 1, 2023 asking for concurrence to make improvements at the Forbes Hill Drive and Camp Kitchen Road water access point.
Uukkivi indicated that the concrete pad that was part of the former boat launch in that location has shifted, is worn, and has rebar and other metal exposed which presents a risk of injury for anyone entering or exiting the water as well as participants in the swim part of the Ironman 70.3.
“This was actually identified through last year’s triathlon… that the slope is covered in dirt and then when they exit the water of course dirt turns to mud when it gets wet and it’s a fairly steep slope,” explained Uukkivi. “The triathlon went in and did some work on their own which was not approved by the Town at that time, which was subsequently undone with the condition that we would be bringing this to council’s attention.”
He said the primary reason it was being brought to council for consideration is that “this would become a new service level not so much in cost but in… existing staff time to maintain that each year to make sure that it remains safe.”
Councillor Bob Stone asked whether the dock was in good shape and whether other enhancements that could be made to make it even better “for our citizens to enjoy this waterfront.”
Uukkivi said the dock “is in great shape.” In terms of enhancements, he suggested the topic be forwarded to the Community Services Master Plan and Waterfront Strategy Committee for discussion.
Councillor Dione Schumacher asked whether permission would need to be sought from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. “That work won’t because it’s actually rectifying an existing structure. We’re not actually disturbing the shoreline,” noted Uukkivvi.
Prompted by a question by Deputy Mayor Dan Armour, committee heard that accessibility would have to be considered for any improvements beyond fixing what is already there.
Committee approved staff’s recommendation to “make necessary improvements to the slope and in-water concrete structure, on Town lands beginning in-water leading up to the intersection of Forbes Hill Drive and Camp Kitchen Road, to improve traction, remove obstacles, and make the water exit safer and more user-friendly for triathletes and other water access users.” The funds for the works will come out of the parks operating budget.
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