ST. PAUL – Repairs to the boat launch at Lac Sante will proceed following a decision from County of St. Paul council during the June 13 council meeting.
The boat launch is located at the TWP RD 564 and RR 112 intersection just north of the Stillwater Subdivision.
Another boat launch is also located at the lake, located at the south side of the lake within the County of Two Hills.
According to information from administration, many complaints have been made about the safety of the boat launch. CAO Sheila Kitz said the boat launch has been well-used since its construction about a decade ago.
"The pads are moving quite a bit,” and the separation is likely due to annual freeze and thaw, said Kitz. This has resulted in the chains linking to the boat launch breaking, causing the pads to shift in different directions due to the absence of a securing mechanism.
In addition, according to the information presented to council, large voids have also been created, trapping tires and damaging the axles of boat trailers when unloading or loading boats.
The repair, in addition to the realignment of pads, will involve the removal and replacement of the existing 21 pads and clean-up for safe unloading and loading of boats. A realignment of the pads may be needed every couple of years, according to administration.
According to Kitz, Andy Patterson, the construction manager with Public Works, noted that repairing the launch might not be ideal as a repair would not last for more than one season, or two at most. On the other hand, the construction of a modern style boat launch would last longer.
Council deliberated whether to repair and realign the boat launch at a cost of $23,550, or if it should complete a full reconstruction of the boat launch at an estimated cost of $152,758.20.
Coun. Maxine Fodness suggested to repair the boat launch and fix what needs to be fixed.
The repair work is estimated to begin in August, after approval from Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) is received.
Following further discussions, Fodness made the motion to complete the repairs and realignment of the Lac Sante Boat Launch. The motion was approved.
