The Municipality of Port Hope is pleased to share that a significant portion of the Waterworks West Project, better known as West Beach, is now complete and open for the community to enjoy. This milestone represents important progress in the ongoing remediation work taking place through the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI), delivered by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL).
Work on this site began in late 2022 under the direction of WSP, with tree removal and site preparation making way for large-scale remediation. Between January 2023 and May 2024, more than 47,000 tonnes of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) and soil were removed, demonstrating CNL’s commitment to remediating any LLRW that is found.
As part of the improvements, a larger parking lot was created, allowing the eastern portion of West Beach to reopen last year. The area temporarily closed again this spring to allow for additional landscaping, new plantings, and the installation of a new playground.
“West Beach has always been a place where residents gather to enjoy the beauty of our waterfront,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “Thanks to the progress achieved through the Port Hope Area Initiative, with support from municipal staff, this space has been revitalized and improved with new features that make it even more welcoming. It’s wonderful to see the community returning to enjoy West Beach, and we look forward to the continued enhancements still to come.”
Looking ahead, further restoration is planned for the western section of the beach in 2026. During this time, there may be brief road closures as trucks access the site along the southern road. Once work is complete, this access road will be repurposed as a scenic trail, offering visitors a new way to experience the shoreline. A shade structure is also planned for the southeast corner of the beach, creating a welcoming spot to relax and take in the view.
The Municipality thanks the community for its patience and support throughout this process and is excited to celebrate the transformation of West Beach into an even more vibrant, accessible, and enjoyable destination for residents and visitors alike.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
