• Approximately 180 metres of breakwall currently being repaired

Fort Erie, ON – Due to a number of recent extreme weather events, the construction project to repair a damaged section of the breakwall in Fort Erie, undertaken by contractor Rankin Construction, has been delayed and is now expected to be completed by the end of December 2019 (weather permitting).

Damages to the breakwall were sustained earlier this year when high winds forced large ice formations from Lake Erie over the shoreline wall and onto the sidewalk, creating an incredible ice wall phenomenon. The ice wall drew many visitors to the area and generated international media attention. Though visually stunning, the ice wall caused considerable damage to the breakwall on both sides of the Niagara River.

The construction project to repair the damages, which began in mid-October, has encountered challenging weather conditions, including the wind storm on October 31, that also caused the iron scow to shift for the first time in 101 years. The extreme weather also caused damages to additional sections of the breakwall. The current project was originally expected to be completed by the end of November and is now expected to wrap up by the end of December (weather permitting). Tendering for repairs to the additional sections will occur in the new year.

There are no road closures required for this project as all construction will take place off the road and pathways. Traffic controls are in place to allow vehicles to access the work site.