Chatham-Kent council will be asked Monday to approve a $414,000 study of aging breakwalls along the Sydenham River in Wallaceburg as part of long-term plans to improve the community’s waterfront.
In a report prepared by Mark McFadden, manager of engineering, municipal staff are recommending a single-source contract be awarded to Delta Science and Engineering Inc. to assess approximately 800 metres of breakwall on both sides of the river between the Lord Selkirk Bridge and the fork of the Sydenham River.
The study is linked to the Wallaceburg South Side Secondary Plan, a waterfront revitalization effort approved in 2024 that outlines future shoreline improvements, park upgrades and better pedestrian access along the river.
According to the report, the breakwalls are nearing the end of their service life and need a detailed inspection before further waterfront improvements can move forward. The work will include on-site inspections of the breakwalls, nearby walkways and underground storm and sanitary sewers, with the goal of determining what sections can be repaired and what may need to be replaced.
The study will also include environmental, archaeological and soil investigations, along with surveying work, to help guide future design and construction planning. Early consultation with First Nations, conservation authorities and provincial agencies will also be part of the process to ensure regulatory requirements are met.
Municipal staff initially issued a request for proposals in 2025, but no bids were received. Under the municipality’s purchasing policy, staff were then permitted to seek quotes directly from firms with shoreline protection experience. Two proposals were submitted, with Delta Science and Engineering providing the lowest compliant price.
If approved by council, the assessment would begin immediately and continue through August 2026. Detailed design work is expected to follow in fall 2026, with construction of breakwall and shoreline improvements anticipated to begin in 2028.
Funding for the study was approved as part of the municipality’s 2025 capital budget, with future design and construction costs to be addressed through upcoming budget cycles.
