REMINDER - Dredging in the bay to begins this week

08/02/2021

The Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) wishes to remind the community that dredging activities associated with the Tekakwitha Island and Bay Restoration Project have begun and are expected to last for approximately six weeks. The set-up for this important part of the project began last week. The dredging work zone is marked off with turbidity curtains and buoys, and pipes have been installed. KEPO is 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 very limited for the first few weeks. Strong winds last week required the installation of cables across the Bay to secure the work zone and keep the turbidity curtains in place. The cables are generally on the bed of the water but can move with the current. If needed, paddlers can pass through a narrow section on the south side of the Bay using extreme caution.

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, the contractor, RML Landscaping, and their subcontractors will be working six days per week (Monday – Saturday) between the hours of 7am and 7pm. KEPO asks 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.