Dredging begins at Cobourg Harbour

By Cecilia Nasmith

The Town of Cobourg announces that the annual dredging of Cobourg Harbour will be taking place April through June.

This process involves removing accumulated sand and silt, which contribute to shallow water levels and hinder boat anchoring and navigation. Maintaining proper depths in the harbour ensures continued accessibility and functionality for boaters and recreational users, and it's part of the town's on-going commitment to maintaining the harbour's functionality.

Dredging will begin at the harbour entrance to ensure safe access for the Coast Guard. Further dredging will be conducted, as required, throughout the summer season to maintain water depth. Staff will make every effort to minimize disruption and work around activities taking place along the waterfront.

During April, May and June, visitors to the waterfront will notice the dewatering – piles of sand and holes in the beach that result from dredging operations. This process allows water to percolate out of the dredged-up sand before it is trucked off-site. Fencing will be installed to ensure public safety.

Residents along Third Street, Hibernia Street and Marissa Lane will notice the dredge supply trailer parked in the marina parking lot. This will be on-site when dredge supplies are needed, and will remain in place until early June. When not in use, it will be removed off-site and, should further dredging be required in the fall, may return to the marina parking lot.

Prior to 2009, the Town of Cobourg hired dredging services. In a bid to get this expense off the budget, they purchased the machine now known as the Marie Dressler Dredge (named after the Oscar-winning actress who was born in Cobourg) to perform the task. In addition to servicing Cobourg Harbour, the town rents out the services of the Marie Dressler Dredge to neighbouring municipalities' harbours and waterways as a revenue generator.

For more information contact Customer Service at 905-372-4301 or customerservice@cobourg.ca