Dredging in the bay to begin next week

07/27/2021

The Kahnaw�:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) wishes to inform the community that dredging activities associated with the Tekakwitha Island and Bay Restoration Project will begin on August 2nd and are expected to last for approximately six weeks. The set-up for this important part of the project is ongoing this week. The dredging work zone is being marked off with turbidity curtains and buoys, and pipes are being installed. This week KEPO will also be implementing measures to rescue fish within the work zone and relocate them outside of the work area.

During the dredging, the bike path will remain open; however, the north part of the bay (between the dredging zone and the island) will not be accessible as floating pipe will be pumping the sediment-water slurry onto the island for processing. Access by water through the bay will be possible only on the south side (mainland side) to bypass the work zone. The water access will be narrow for the first few weeks and will be limited to paddlers and small motorized crafts. It will be important that boaters travel slowly and respect the markers and signage to ensure everyone�s safety.

The dredging must be completed during a specific time of year to reduce harm to fish and turtles using the bay. To ensure that we comply with these timing windows, our contractor, RML Landscaping, and their subcontractors will be working six days per week (Monday � Saturday) between the hours of 7am and 7pm. We ask for the community�s patience as we implement this important activity.

For questions or comments on the dredging operation or other aspects of the restoration project, please email bayproject@mck.ca or call 450-635-0600.