New Accessible Dock Removed from Cobourg Harbour Because It’s Not Accessible to the Water

Pete Fisher
1 year ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

An accessible dock put in the water just days ago in Cobourg was removed on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 because it doesn’t provide access to the water.

The dock was installed just to the west of the boat launch in Cobourg Harbour approximately a week ago.

Visually  the accessible dock seemed to sit higher in the water than the two docks by the launch area.

Director of Community Services, Brian Geerts said the accessible dock has three focus areas to improve accessibility at the harbour:

-accessibility to the dock

-accessibility on the dock

-accessibility to the water

Geerts said a mat provided accessibility to the dock and Accessibility on the dock will be through a firm and stable surface with minimal dock flexing and movement, with appropriate safety guards.

Accessibility to the water is primarily met by a short distance between the top of the dock and the top of the water.

“Through our community consultation with stakeholders such as the Accessibility Committee and the Cobourg Dragon Boat and Canoe Club, a standard step height of six inches will allow many users to transfer safely from the dock to a self-propelled watercraft.”

The dock was assembled and tested, “but it floated to high in the water and does not yet provide “to the water” accessibility.”

“We have removed the dock from the water while we review options with the manufacturer. The dock is modular, and we are confident that simple adjustments can be made to ensure we meet our three accessibility focus areas. We continue to move this project forward with the input and advice of accessibility stakeholders and will provide a public update when the dock is ready for public use.”