The excavators moved into Innisfil Beach Park this week to begin digging a new channel along the north side of the recreation area.
The drainage improvement project will divert melt-water and rainwater runoff that currently flow underneath 25 Sideroad and follow an old creek channel into the ditch along the south side of Park Road.
Excessive flows have caused periodic flooding, in addition to washing debris directly into Lake Simcoe, at the east end of the road.
The diversion channel now under construction will include new wetland areas and natural vegetation to slow the flow of stormwater, provide an opportunity for pollutants to settle out before they reach the lake, and reduce flooding and property damage on Park Road.
The $270,000 project, which is expected to continue through the summer, will include berming to close off the existing creek channel that currently cuts across private property, as well as construction of a new trail within the park, some culvert replacement and new ditching on Park Road, and construction of a new pedestrian bridge at the Alderslea entrance.
The Alderslea entrance to the park remains closed for the duration of construction.
A February thaw coincided with the start of the construction. Town staff were also out, clearing the ditches along Park Road of ice and snow, to improve flow and reduce seasonal flooding.
