Public Notice

Harrington Harbour Wharf Approach Retaining Wall Rehabilitation – Public Comments Invited

March 5, 2025 – The Authority must determine whether the proposed project Rehabilitation of the retaining wall on the approach to the wharf in Harrington Harbour, Quebec, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

In order to contribute to an informed determination, the Authority invites the public to comment on this determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments may be submitted by April 8, 2025 to:

Environmental and Aboriginal Affairs - Quebec Region

Courriel : aea-eaa@tc.gc.ca
 

The proposed project

The Harrington Harbour Marine Terminal, located on Quebec's Lower North Shore, consists mainly of a fish warehouse and factory, a hangar owned by Transport Canada and a Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) floating dock where the water taxi, shuttling between Harrington Harbour and Chevery, can dock.

The retaining wall on the south side of the Harrington Harbour wharf approach was constructed in 1974 as part of the wharf repair and improvement work. This retaining wall is composed of two types of structures. The first, located the westernmost, is composed of a reinforced concrete wall and the second, located the easternmost, is composed of a wall of Creosote wood backfilled with stones. To the east of the retaining wall is a boat launch. The condition of this retaining wall has reached the end of its useful life. TC is to rehabilitate the boat and demolish the condemned boat launch.

The area of the concrete wall, where significant erosion has been observed in its lower part, will be repaired in excess thickness with local formwork. This repair will be coordinated according to the tides in order to carry out the dry work. Note that if the contractor deems it necessary, a cofferdam could be installed. For damage located in the higher part of the wall, the concrete will be demolished locally until the reinforcement is cleared, which will be cleaned. Repairs without extra thickness will then be put in place. The repair work on the concrete wall could take about two weeks.

The area of the wood casing wall is heavily damaged. The first step consists of the demolition of the existing wooden casing and its ramp, followed by the placement of the Creosote wood in an authorized site. Rehabilitation consists of the installation of a precast concrete wall, with a footing, firmly anchored to the rock to ensure its stability. This repair work could be spread over a period of about four weeks and will be coordinated according to the tides in order to carry out the dry work. It should be noted that if the contractor deems it necessary, a cofferdam could be installed for certain portions of the work.