Waterfront Infrastructure in Head, Clara and Maria Improved for Residents and Tourists

Two popular public boat launches in the Townships of Head, Clara and Maria received much-needed rehabilitation last year thanks to the Canada Community-Building Fund.

The municipality invested its CCBF contributions toward improvements to the Mackey boat launch and installed break walls at its public boat launch in Stonecliffe.

Both of these destinations are popular with residents and tourists alike looking for access to the Ottawa River and the adjoining waterways. From May to September, both boat launches are used daily. Situated close to the boat launches are private and provincial campgrounds and bed and breakfasts that attract travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. The boat launches are used not only for boats, but also as fishing spots and are frequented by travellers as a rest stop and picnic area.

The scope of these projects included replacing the Mackey boat launch by removing chipped and damaged concrete pathways and the unlevel docking system and replacing it with a smooth, level launch area. In Stonecliffe, the Municipality was receiving complaints from the public that launching watercraft was difficult when the wind was too strong. To mitigate this issue, the Town installed break walls to reduce the amount of wake coming into the launching area, alleviating safety concerns and damage done to personal property.

Improvements to both of these areas has increased safety for outdoor enthusiasts exploring all that Head, Clara and Maria has to offer.