Communities on Lake Ontario shore still dealing with damage from high water levels

After record levels on Lake Ontario this spring, Cobourg’s beach has bounced back just in time for the annual Sandcastle Festival this weekend.

The town’s main attraction was inundated by high water levels in June. The town brought in heavy equipment to help reclaim enough said to rebuild the beach. Officials say their efforts have been rewarded as the beach will be the site of the 14th annual Sandcastle Festival.

“We’re lucky the town here and the staff have put a lot of time and effort into making sure the beach is up and ready for everyone to enjoy,” said Jackie Chapman Davis, community event coordinator.
Jackie Chipman Davis:

She says the festival will feature 10 master builders,  some of whom were getting practice on Thursday before Saturday’s festival.

The festival is also open to amateur builders.

WATCH (May 29) Lake Ontario flooding exceeds 2017 level in Cobourg

1:39 Lake Ontario flooding exceeds 2017 level in Cobourg

“We have 60 spaces, it costs $5 to come in, you can come as a team, as a family, as a business, alone,” she said. “There’s youth, there’s children categories, and you can build a sand castle. Some of the masters we have with us started in our amateur competition.”

Further west in Port Hope, the high  water leaves heavily damaged the waterfront trails. Sections have been destroyed and those left intact are not being maintained.

“Until the municipality has some assurances about why this is happening – as far as the high water events, what the causes are and are these going to continue – at this point it doesn’t make financial sense to rebuild the trail,” said Jim McCormack, director of the Town of Port Hope’s parks and recreation.

In Brighton, sand and bag depots that are currently available will be removed soon by staff. If sand or bags are still required, they will be available at the Public Works Building located at 67 Sharp Road during regular business hours. A disposal bin will be available for empty sandbags at 67 Sharp Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Full sandbags can be brought to 67 Sharp Rd. and left beside the bin for disposal.

The Municipality of Brighton will be picking up full sandbags at the curbside during regular business hours from Aug. 26 -Sept 6.

On Thursday the Lower Trent Conservation Authority says the levels of Lake Ontario have dropped 23 centimetres since the record was set this spring.

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2:03 Belleville’s mayor blames International Joint Commission for Lake Ontario flooding