Chéticamp boardwalk shutting down due to safety concerns

Chéticamp’s Community Boardwalk Closed for Safety Concerns

Unfortunately, Chéticamp’s iconic community boardwalk will not be open for strolls this summer. The aging structure has been deemed too risky to keep open due to safety concerns, prompting the Chéticamp Economic Council to make the difficult decision to shut it down.

Alfred Poirier, acting president of the Chéticamp Economic Council, expressed his disappointment at having to close the boardwalk, citing financial constraints and liability issues as the main reasons behind the decision.

The boardwalk, which offers a picturesque view of the community’s harbour and lighthouse, has been battered by severe weather over the years, with a post-tropical storm in 2019 causing significant damage. Despite efforts to patch up the walkway, ongoing erosion of the coastline and splintering of the structure have made it unsafe for public use.

One of the major challenges faced by the council is the lack of revenue generated by the boardwalk. While local businesses have offered donations, it has not been enough to cover the costs of maintenance and repairs.

Lisette Aucoin-Bourgeois, executive director of Les Trois Pignons, expressed her disappointment at the closure of the boardwalk but acknowledged that it was a necessary step to ensure public safety.

Council members are set to discuss the future of the boardwalk at an upcoming meeting this fall. Ownership and maintenance of different sections of the boardwalk are divided between the council and adjacent businesses, adding to the complexity of finding a solution.

The Municipality of Inverness County has stated that it is not responsible for the operation or maintenance of the boardwalk, although it has provided support in planning processes and temporary fixes in the past. Megan Wludyka, the Inverness communications officer, explained that without significant funding from other levels of government, the municipality is unable to finance the replacement of the boardwalk.

As the community grapples with the closure of the beloved boardwalk, efforts will need to be made to secure funding and come up with a sustainable solution for this iconic landmark.