Beach safety concerns raised over metal structure at water’s edge near foot of Balsam Avenue

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

Beach residents are raising their concerns regarding the remains of an inactive stormwater structure protruding from the sand and rocks at the lakeshore near the foot of Balsam Avenue.

“I worry very much that this could lead to a bad injury in some child/adult. If this metal is not covered by sand or rocks, with the water level up it would be difficult to see this dangerous situation,” a concerned resident told Beach Metro Community News in a letter.

The narrow strip of metal, which once housed the concrete stormwater pier, stretches about five metres long from the remains of the original structure.

The metal remains of the dilapidated pier have been withered down to a sharp metal edge, which has sparked concern amongst residents, who worry that unsuspecting visitors and dog walkers might not notice the safety hazard.

The strip of metal is usually covered by rocks, sand, or water. However, as Lake Ontario’s water levels fluctuate, the old pier’s concrete housing and covering from the elements has either broken down or washed away, leaving only the rusted metal sections.

“At times this shorter area is covered by rocks, sand or water. This winter, I noticed there was no rocks, water or sand covering it, and the concrete had actually started to break down so that the concrete central portion is now lower than the metal side of the structure, resulting in a ‘knife edge’ of raggedy metal projecting out from the concrete,” said the local resident.

Much of the area’s initial infrastructure was implemented back in the early 1900s, with the Boardwalk built between Woodbine Beach and Leuty Avenue around 1908, and a permanent Boardwalk built between Woodbine and Silver Birch in 1931 and 1932.

As a result, some of the older structures – such as the concrete pier – have remained unchanged for more than 100 years and have deteriorated over time.

Residents are hoping the City of Toronto will address the safety hazard with a temporary fix before local traffic picks up in the summer and swimmers return to the lake.

Beach Metro Community News has been told the city plans to take action to address the safety hazard and is advising those in the area to be cautious of their surroundings and avoid the strip of metal until the city has dealt with it.

“The City of Toronto is monitoring a piece of exposed metal from an inactive stormwater structure on the beach near the end of Balsam Avenue. The city is committed to taking immediate action to mitigate any safety risks and exploring long-term solutions once fluctuating lake levels allow for this work to safely proceed,” said a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News by the City of Toronto.

“Until the city can complete the required work, it is strongly recommended that residents avoid the area. The city recognizes the concerns of community members and appreciates their patience and bringing this issue forward.”

• Matthew Stephens is a junior reporter interning at Beach Metro Community News, covering local stories and community events.