St. Catharines’ Sunset Beach closed until spring for renovations

A St. Catharines beach known for its great view is closing its shores until May as the city modernizes the park’s aging facilities.

The aptly named “Sunset Beach” is getting an over $6 million makeover, a renovation project that has been in the making for many years.

The project’s senior manager Ralph Scholz says a complete closure of the beach is necessary to have everything done by next spring.

Dump trucks come in and out of Sunset Beach in Port Weller, but pedestrians will have to wait.

“I walk about five kilometres everyday — walking the dog through the park and the beach — it’s disappointing, but it’s understandable,” said someone who lives near the beach. “You don’t want people getting hurt during the renovations, and that kind of stuff.”

Sunset Beach sits along the shores of Lake Ontario facing west, which makes for a perfect view of the sunset.

The beach closed Tuesday and the plan is for the full revamp to finish in May.

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“It is a tight time schedule, no doubt, and it’s going to be dependent on the weather, because we’re working through the winter, so every day counts here,” said Scholz.

Scholz says the whole area is a construction site, with the decision to restrict pedestrian access to the area made for time and safety.

“When Rankin (Construction Incorporated) was awarded the project, they felt that mixing the public part of the project and the construction part of the project would get into too many conflicts with the heavy truck work and the heavy construction,” said Scholz.

Scholz said the project has been years in the making, and includes multiple enhancements.

“We’re re-doing some shoreline work, a new boat ramp, all new parking lots,” said Scholz, “we’re putting in a plaza and shade structures for the beach goers, lots of seating for people to enjoy the sunset, and a new playground.”

Many local residents spoke with CHCH News saying that they use the beach very often, with some who say they use it every single day.

They say although it is disappointing that the beach has closed, they know that the work needs to be done.

“We go down there every night to watch the sunset because it’s a great place to be,” said one resident. “It’s a great idea that it’s going to get revamped and looked after — it’s worth it because I can see the sunset right from the front door.”

“I think it’s about time,” said another resident. “I’m so excited for next year, I can’t wait to see what it turns out like.”

Scholz says the goal is to have the beach reopened in time for the May 2-4 weekend.

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