Public Notice

Easterville Harbour – Wharf and Launch Ramp Reconstruction – Public Comments Invited

January 15, 2024 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada must determine whether the proposed Easterville harbour wharf and launch ramp reconstruction project, located in Easterville, Manitoba is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada are inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by February 16, 2024 to:

Small Craft Harbours - Ontario & Prairie Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Chris McDermid, Environmental Advisor
501 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6
Telephone: 431-335-7530
Email: chris.mcdermid@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

Fisheries and Ocean Canada - Small Craft Harbours (DFO-SCH) are planning to reconstruct a timber frame wharf and Concrete launch ramp at the Easterville Small Craft Harbour. Work is currently proposed for fall/winter 2024/25.

The proposed project requires approvals from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada.

The Easterville harbour is located on the south-eastern shore of Cedar Lake in Easterville, Manitoba. The harbour can be found directly north of the junction of road 327 (Main St.) and Shaguygun road in Easterville.

The proposed reconstruction include demolition and replacement of the boat launch, and replacement and expansion of a new treated timber wharf along the southeastern extent of the harbour. New pre-cast concrete pads will be installed in the same orientation as the existing ramp design. The new southeast wharf will be a treated timber crib and span design which will be constructed along the shoreline and extend into the central harbour basin. The footprint of the new wharf will partially overlap with the existing structure, however the orientation will be modified slightly and extended.

Construction methodology will be determined by a hired contractor, however previous projects have provided examples of typical construction methods. The removal and construction of launch ramps has typically been completed by using a  excavator working from shore. An excavator has the capacity to remove the individual concrete pads, then place and shape the base material, and then place the new pre-cast concrete pads. The demolition of the old wharf and construction of the new wharf structure will use a combination of heavy equipment and hand power tools.  The cribs will be constructed on-site uplands and moved into place. The cribs will then be sunk into position through an open cut in the ice. Once in position, the cribs will be filled with ballast rock. Once all cribs are placed, stringers, decking and other wharf components will be installed.