MUSKOKA WHARF CLOSED FOR CORROSION REPAIRS AUG. 8

GRAVENHURST — Muskoka dock experts (of which there are many) and spring flood victims must be scratching their heads at news that at least one of the docks at the Muskoka Wharf is shutting down Thursday for new pile repairs just 13 years after being installed.

The town has hired a company to do work on Dock B August 8, and it will be closed to pedestrian and boat traffic while concrete is being poured.

Pile repair involves embedding steel piping into the ground and filling them with concreate, says a town release.

This provides reinforcement and stabilization, and comes after two of the busiest boat show weekends of the summer, when thousands walked out on the dock.

Both of which pose questions of safety, and warranty on the original work from 2006.

The town, in partnership with Tatham Engineering, completed a dock condition assessment in June.

This investigation revealed more advanced corrosion than expected on the supporting Steel I-beam piles for Dock B landing.

In response Galcon Marina was hired to complete the restoration work.

Work began Tuesday and is to be completed Thursday, when it will be closed until 5 p.m.