Station Beach Boardwalk Improvements | Municipality of Kincardine

The Station Beach Boardwalk is a well-loved feature of Kincardine’s waterfront. Over time, the wooden structure has deteriorated due to age, sand buildup, and weather exposure. The surface has shifted and loosened in several areas, creating safety and accessibility concerns.

Following extensive study and community engagement, Council approved the final design and surface material in March 2025.

May 2026

Project Update – Station Beach Boardwalk

Work on the Station Beach Boardwalk has continued through the spring, with some delays due to the extended winter and unusually wet conditions. Significant progress has been made, and portions of the new boardwalk will be accessible to the public over the long weekend.

The first two concrete entranceways have been poured, the new lookout structure has been built, and railings will be installed once materials arrive. New conduit for future boardwalk lighting has also been installed, with light standards expected later this summer.

The new modular wood boardwalk sections are now installed at the beach entry points. Additional sections are expected to be installed quickly, as many components were built off-site during the winter and are ready for placement.

Victoria Day weekend

Parking and Construction Area

To accommodate public access over the long weekend, the contractor is relocating their laydown area. The red shaded areas in the map below indicate where construction materials and equipment will be stored temporarily. The main parking lot and boardwalk will remain open for public use during the weekend.

While the boardwalk will be open for public access over the weekend, the project is not yet complete. Visitors are asked to respect all fenced and pyloned areas, as construction will resume after the long weekend. Some amenities have returned to the site, including benches, picnic tables, and garbage cans, with additional features to be added once the project is complete.

Temporary laydown and staging zones

May long weekend

Temporary laydown and staging zones

Areas highlighted in red show temporary contractor laydown and staging zones during the Station Beach Boardwalk project. The main parking lot and public boardwalk access will remain open over the long weekend.

Helpful Information

Why is the boardwalk replacement necessary?

The existing boardwalk has reached the end of its useful life in several locations.
Sand movement, shifting foundations, and general wear have led to uneven surfaces and increased maintenance needs.
Sections of the boardwalk will be moved closer to the existing parking area, to provide space for dune creation which will help keep more sand on the beach and away from the boardwalk and parking lot.
Replacing and realigning key sections will ensure the space remains safe, accessible, and sustainable for years to come.

What's changing?

Approximately half of the boardwalk—from the boat launch to just before the south washroom—will be fully replaced.
Additional sections will be relocated slightly closer to the existing parking area to create space for new dune formation intended to help control sand migration.
Stamped concrete will be used only at the main access points.
The majority of the new boardwalk surface will be wood construction, as directed by Council.
Garden plots will remain in approximately the same location, with minor adjustments as needed.
Updated irrigation and drainage improvements will help protect the site long-term.

Construction timeline

Start Date: Late November 2025
Estimated Completion: Spring 2026 (weather dependent)

Construction activity will continue through the winter when conditions allow. To ensure safety, the public is asked to avoid all fenced-off areas until work is complete.

Looking ahead

Once complete, the improved Station Beach Boardwalk will offer a safer, more accessible, and more beautiful waterfront experience. The combination of relocated sections, new dune areas, and updated materials will support long-term sustainability while maintaining the natural character residents value.

Community and Environmental Considerations

This project is part of the 2023 Waterfront Master Plan and reflects feedback from community engagement sessions held in 2023 and 2024.

The Municipality has worked closely with:

Lake Huron Coastal Centre
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Station Beach Garden volunteers (who will replant gardens once work is complete)

Relevant reports

Contact the Project Team

Mike Di Giovanni
Manager, Parks and Facilities
Municipality of Kincardine
mdigiovanni@kincardine.ca
519-396-3491 x 7315