Concerns over the placement and maintenance of the Lac La Biche Mission boat launch and dock have caused several residents to question why this problem has been so often overlooked.
The dock was built quite a while ago, and although it is seldom used, weather damage and lack of maintenance have led to the current state of disrepair.
“I wouldn’t even consider it a dock anymore, something needs to be done,” said Diane Scoville, the vice-president of the Mission Historical Society. “I’m not even sure why that dock was placed there in the first place, a new one should be built.”
The questions and concerns stem from the recent Voyageur Rendezvous canoe trip on June 23 that had several fifteen-person boats anchor down at the Mission dock during their route to the McArthur Place.
“We really tried to tidy and make the dock as clean and presentable as possible,” said Emile Chevigny, a manager and curator at the Mission.
“The dock does need to be restored.”
Part of the frustration stems from where the current dock is located, not in the most accessible position near the ice road and away from the Mission. But, due to the historical significance of the dock, relocating the landing does not seem to be a viable option.
“The location is not correct, a lot of residents were disappointed that the dock is there and I agree, it should be far more accessible for people that want to use it,” said Lac La Biche county councillor Eugene Uganecz.
Although the dock is in need of work, Les Biollo, president of the Mission Historical Society, cautioned that without re-thinking the entire priorities list, this kind of work wouldn’t be happening any time soon.
“We have a lot of priorities right now, quite a few structures need to be restored and unfortunately the dock is lower down that priorities list,” he said.
Biollo pointed out that the dock really isn’t used enough to justify spending the money and resources to restore it.
“We are in some ways waiting to see what happens to the Big Dock in Lac La Biche,” Biollo said. “If that gets re-constructed and we start to see boat tours around Lac La Biche Lake, we would certainly consider restoring the Mission dock.”
Biollo did mention that with enough public interest, restoring the dock may be considered sooner rather than later.
“If this is a project that the public is very interested in completing, I will certainly bring it before the board. It really is about making the Mission the most enjoyable atmosphere possible.”
